Today, the British Academy and the Nuffield Foundation publish the final report from the Understanding Communities programme, which launched in 2022 to inform policy and practice on how communities can improve social wellbeing across the UK.
Funding six multidisciplinary projects, which saw collaboration between researchers, policymakers and practitioners, today’s report explores four areas – place, trust, connection, and community capacity – and shares policy messages for both local and national policymakers.
Alongside the main report, our Institute for Community Studies’ analysis provides insights into the programme and community-oriented research.
Reflecting on the programme, Dr Molly Morgan Jones, Director of Policy at the British Academy, said:
“Social ties between people and their communities have long been a vital source of wellbeing and belonging. As socioeconomic inequalities deepen, it is more urgent than ever to understand how these ties are sustained and what policymakers can do to reinforce them.”
Alex Beer, Assistant Director of Strategy at Nuffield Foundation, said:
“To develop and sustain thriving communities, policymakers must invest for the long term – not just in facilities, but in the people who bring them to life and make projects successful. Both local and central government should adjust their approach to funding, towards sustainable support for grassroots organisations. They should also ensure communities are actively involved in shaping services, drawing on their in-depth understanding of local population, geography, and history.”
Isabella Pereira, Co-Director of Research at The Young Foundation and Head of the Institute for Community Studies, concludes:
“The Understanding Communities programme demonstrates the huge potential for community-oriented research to foster social connections. Our analysis demonstrates that doing this work well requires not just huge commitment and sensitivity from research teams but the right resources to support them too.”
Read the final report and our analysis.
Community needs and priorities Community wellbeing Institute for Community Studies Local government and public services community research community wellbeing social connection Posted on: 2 October 2025