Despite the harsh economic climate, the business case for preventing social ills is stronger than ever. Support for young people at crucial transition points, for instance, can make the difference between a life of crime and a life of social value to society.

The "prevention" principle applies to a range of social issues, from youth unemployment to homelessness, from health to juvenile crime. Preventative investment models have the ability to combine new investment, innovative ways of working, strong evidence and incentives that reward success.

The Young Foundation is at the forefront of developing key areas and agendas where preventative investment is needed, working with Local Authorities, health organisations and housing agencies.

Our Preventative Investment Programme comprises our work on:

• Social Impact Bonds - a new innovative financial mechanism to prevent social ills

• Payment by Results - an innovative repayment structure that holds service providers to account for the outcomes they achieve

• Metrics for Impact - evaluating the impact of charities and social enterprises

• Social Investment - understanding the role of preventative investment and how and where it can be used to deliver a social good

• Productivity and Innovation - highlighting innovative approaches that increase productivity and efficiency, while saving money and delivering key outcomes

The practice lead on this programme is Neil Reeder