Civil society

‘Stop asking communities what they think – and start sharing power in policymaking’

Blog 27 April 2026

Senior Research Manager Tania Carregha says participatory policymaking could help us rebuild trust and shape a happier, fairer future for UK communities

‘Violence against women and girls is preventable. We need to listen to survivors, build a coalition – and act now’

Blog 8 March 2026

On International Women’s Day, our CEO, Dr Sue Griffiths, stresses the need to centre lived experience to prevent gender-based violence – and the evidence that shows change is possible

‘Preparing for disaster is not a solo sport’

Blog 2 April 2025

After a childhood fearing nuclear war and early adult years as a ‘city prepper’, our CEO now calls for ‘whole society’ preparedness and greater recognition of community responders. 

Report calls for a ‘whole society’ approach to crisis planning

News 2 April 2025

Our CEO says ‘neighbours are more supportive than government’ when crisis hits.

Community, not catastrophe

Publication 2 April 2025

When disaster strikes, local people and communities step up. This report calls for them to be recognised as part of our Critical National Infrastructure in times of crisis.

New centre to drive ‘sustainable futures for all’

News 6 November 2024

Collaboration across universities, non-profits, business, communities and government will foster sustainable and equitable low-carbon living.

‘The infrastructure of opportunity’

Blog 5 July 2024

Responding to Keir Starmer’s first speech as Prime Minister, Helen Goulden says government must work collaboratively towards a productive, caring and just society.

‘A chance to rewrite the rulebook and govern differently’

Blog 4 July 2024

Could this General Election deliver deep change in our political systems, and power a collaborative, community-powered future?

Empowering students with a ‘truly civic’ experience

News 17 June 2024

New report urges UK universities to equip all students to be lifelong active citizens.

CiviCast: on air

Blog 4 June 2024

Tania Carregha talks to NCIA’s John Fell about her experiences of community engagement and her research as a key delivery partner of the NCIA programme.

Five ways a community-centred policy agenda could take us to a fairer future

Publication 31 March 2023

This paper was submitted to the Labour Party’s National Policy Forum (NPF) Consultation in March 2023 on the topic of empowered communities.

Capturing the joy of music 

News 9 March 2023

A new project bringing Eurovision’s ‘sense of togetherness and cultural exchange’ to local communities in East London