Links

AgeUK

Age UK has a vision of a world in which older people flourish. Age UK aim to improve later life for everyone through information and advice, campaigns, products, training and research.

Big Lottery Fund (BIG)

Every year BIG gives out millions of pounds from the National Lottery to good causes. Their money goes to community groups and to projects that improve health, education and the environment.

BMG Research

BMG Research was established in 1988 by the current managing director and chairman, Jonathan Bostock. BMG serves both the social public sector and the commercial private sector, providing market and customer intelligence which is vital in the development of plans, the support of campaigns and the evaluation of performance.

Burleigh Court

Burleigh Court is a purpose-built training and conference centre situated on the fringe of Loughborough University Campus, yet operating independently. It is dedicated to attaining the same high standards which have earned the University an international reputation for excellence and achievement.

Centre for Excellence and Outcomes in Children and Young People's Services (C4EO)

The Centre for Excellence and Outcomes in Children and Young People's Services provides a range of support to drive positive change in the delivery of children's services, and ultimately outcomes for children, young people and their families.

For the first time, excellence in local practice, combined with high quality research and data about ‘what works’ is being gathered in one place, creating a single comprehensive centre of evidence. C4EO supports and constructively challenges the sector by sharing high quality, up-to-date evidence and really effective practice, making it easily accessible to those who need to work in a 'low cost-high impact' environment.

“Our aim is to gather and share evidence about what makes the most significant difference to outcomes for vulnerable groups of children, young people and their families, supporting the sector to narrow the gap in society.”

Care for the Family

Care for the Family aims to promote strong family life and to help those hurting because of family breakdown.

Their heart is to come alongside people in the good times and in the tough times - bringing hope, compassion and some practical, down-to-earth help and encouragement.

Centre for Child and Family Research

The Centre for Child and Family Research (CCFR), based in the Department of Social Sciences at Loughborough University was established in 2002 and co-founded by Professor Harriet Ward.

The Centre carries out high quality research that informs, influences and supports policy and practice for children, young people, adults, families and communities.

The Centre for Housing Policy

The Centre for Housing Policy at the University of York (CHP) was established in 1990 with the support of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation . The Centre was designed to become a leader in policy relevant research and has since established itself as one of the leading centres of housing and social policy research in the UK. CHP policy research is supported through competitive tender, including work for the national governments of the UK, local government, Registered Social Landlords and a wide range of voluntary sector and charitable organisations. CHP also undertakes in-depth policy related academic research, supported by staff making unsolicited applications to research funding organisations such as the Economic and Social Research Council.

The Centre for Urban and Regional Studies

The Centre for Urban and Regional Studies (CURS), a Department in the School of Public Policy at the University of Birmingham, is a leading international centre for research and teaching in housing, regional and local economic development, urban policy and regional and urban regeneration. Their work combines the worlds of practice, research and education.

Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG)

CPAG is the leading charity campaigning for the abolition of child poverty in the UK and for a better deal for low-income families and children.

Children's Workforce Development Council (CWDC)

CWDC exists to improve the lives of children, young people, their families and carers by ensuring that all people working with them have the best possible training, qualifications, support and advice. It also helps children and young people's organisations and services to work together better so that the child is at the centre of all services.

Citizens UK

Citizens UK is the home of community organising in Britain. They are the biggest community alliance in Britain , bringing together more than 160 faith congregations, schools, universities, trade unions and community groups with a quarter of a million citizens in their network. Citizens UK work to end poverty, improve housing and make London safer.

Commission for Rural Communities – Defra

The Commission for Rural Communities (CRC) was established to promote awareness of rural needs amongst decision makers across and beyond government. In June 2010, the Secretary of State announced that the CRC was to be abolished and that Defra’s internal rural policy capacity was to be expanded to create a Rural Communities Policy Unit (RCPU).

From the 1 April 2011, the CRC significantly reduced its staffing levels and the scale of its operation, some of its work and staff having transferred into the new unit.

This streamlined CRC will carry out is statutory functions of Advice, Advocacy and Watchdog activity through its Chairman, Dr Stuart Burgess, the Commissioners and a small, flexible staff team.

The Commission has agreed that it will continue to act as a critical friend to Defra, particularly but not exclusively through its new Rural Communities Policy Unit and will have a modest work programme complementary to that of Defra. The Commission will have new ways of working and will utilise the skills and knowledge of the Chairman and the Commissioners to continue to support and help shape the rural policy agenda.

Community Development Journal- Oxford Journals Online

Published four times a year and circulated in over 80 countries, the Community Development Journal provides an international forum for political, economic and social programmes, which link the activities of people with institutions and government. Dealing with the theory and practice of the policies, programmes and methods employed, the Community Development Journal covers a wide range of topics including community action, village, town, and regional planning, community studies and rural development.

Consumer Focus

Consumer Focus is the statutory consumer champion for England, Wales, Scotland and (for postal consumers) Northern Ireland. They were formed by the Consumers, Estate Agents and Redress (CEAR) Act 2007.

Consumer Focus operates across the whole of the economy, persuading businesses, public services and policy makers to put consumers at the heart of what they do.

Consumer Focus tackles the issues that matter to consumers, and aims to give people a stronger voice. They don’t just draw attention to problems – they work with consumers and with a range of organisations to champion creative solutions that make a difference to consumers’ lives.

Consumer Focus has strong legislative powers. These include the right to investigate any consumer complaint if they are of wider interest, the right to open up information from providers, the power to conduct research and the ability to make an official super-complaint about failing services.

Consumer Focus receive about a third of their funding from BIS. Funding also comes from licenses paid by energy suppliers and the postal industry. They are also able to raise their own funds – for example, through externally funded projects.

Defra

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is a government department in the UK.

They cover – they make policy and legislation, and work with others to deliver their policies in - areas such as:

• the natural environment, biodiversity, plants and animals

• sustainable development and the green economy

• food, farming and fisheries

• animal health and welfare

• environmental protection and pollution control

• rural communities and issues.

Although they only work directly in England, Defra work closely with the devolved administrations in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and generally lead on negotiations in the EU and internationally.

Department for Education

The Department for Education was formed on 12 May 2010 and is responsible for education and children's services.

All statutory guidance and legislation linked to, from their site, continues to reflect the current legal position unless indicated otherwise, but may not reflect Government policy.

Department of Health

The overall aim of the Department of Health is to improve the health and well-being of people in England.

That means protecting and improving the nation’s health and ensuring that health and social services are:

• high quality;

• fast;

• fair

• convenient.

Department of Social Sciences

The Department of Social Sciences at Loughborough was established in 1972. It is a major interdisciplinary department within the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities. It is unique in British Universities in its combination of academic disciplines - sociology, social psychology, and social policy.

Department for Business Innovation and Skills

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) is building a dynamic and competitive UK economy by: creating the conditions for business success; promoting innovation, enterprise and science; and giving everyone the skills and opportunities to succeed. To achieve this it will foster world-class universities and promote an open global economy. BIS - Investing in our future.

Department for Culture, Media and Sport

DCMS aim to improve the quality of life for all through cultural and sporting activities, to support the pursuit of excellence and to champion the tourism, creative and leisure industries.

Department for Transport

The Department for Transport's objective is to oversee the delivery of a reliable, safe and secure transport system that responds efficiently to the needs of individuals and business whilst safeguarding our environment.

Department for Work and Pensions

The Department was formed on 8 June 2001 from parts of the former Department of Social Security, parts of the former Department for Education and Employment and the Employment Service.

The Department is committed to providing people of working age, pensioners and children with the advice and help they need to achieve financial independence and make the most of life. Their priorities are:

• a single point of delivery for jobs, benefits advice and support through a modern nationwide service - Jobcentre Plus;

• to provide employers with a professional service for filling job vacancies;

• a new Pension Service to provide information and support to today's and tomorrow's pensioners;

• delivery of a simplified and efficient Child Support system;

• equality of opportunity and social inclusion for all.

Directgov

Directgov brings together the widest range of public service information and services online.

Produced by the Central Office of Information, Directgov provides information from across UK government departments on topics ranging from travel safety and parental leave to special educational needs and local NHS services.

The site also brings together an increasing number of online government services to make your life easier - from booking a driving test and taxing your car to renewing your passport or applying for a student loan.

You can browse by topics - including money, employment, travel and transport, and education - or by audience groups, such as disabled people, the over 50s, and parents. Or you can use their search engine to find content directly.

The site also gives you access to government directories, as well as links to relevant third parties who can offer additional trusted advice and support.

eaga Charitable Trust

The independent eaga Charitable Trust (eaga-CT) is a grant-giving trust that currently supports projects and research in two main areas: the relief of fuel poverty and the promotion of energy efficiency; and vulnerable consumers - multiple needs and preferences.

The Trust was founded by Eaga in 1993. Established as a non-profit distributing organisation in 1990, Eaga is now a Public Limited Company with a 51% employee ownership, delivering programmes across the UK on behalf of central government, the devolved administrations, utilities and local authorities.

East Midlands Development Agency

Over the past decade, East Midlands Development Agency ( EMDA) has played a crucial role in breathing new life into old industrial land to create employment and wider economic opportunities for people living and working in the region.

Economic and Social Research Council

The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) is the UK's leading research funding and training agency addressing economic and social concerns. They aim to provide high quality research on issues of importance to business, the public sector and government.

ECORYS

ECORYS is an international research and consultancy organisation. It works alongside its clients to help them find solutions to the challenging economic and societal issues that they face. The focus of these issues ranges from sub-regional to national and European for clients in both the public and private sector.

ESPAnet

The Network for European Social Policy Analysis is an association of academics involved or interested in the analysis of social policy in Europe.

The Network encourages and fosters a multi-disciplinary approach to the analysis of European social policy. It is therefore open to people from a range of disciplines, including social policy, sociology, political science, international relations, history, law and economics.

It draws its membership from and defines its remit in relation to countries spanning the European continent, welcoming analysts from western, central and eastern European countries.

European Commission

The European Commission operates at the very heart of the European Union. Its role as the source of policy initiatives is unique; yet this role is not always clearly understood. The Commission has used its right of initiative to transform the framework provided by the treaties establishing the European Communities into today's integrated structures. The benefits for citizens and companies throughout the Union have been considerable: freedom of movement, greater prosperity, much less red tape.

Every Child Matters

Every Child Matters is a set of reforms supported by the Children Act 2004. Its aim is for every child, whatever their background or circumstances, to have the support they need to:

• be healthy

• stay safe

• enjoy and achieve

• make a positive contribution

• achieve economic well-being.

This means every LA working with its partners, through children's trust partnerships, to find out what works best for children and young people in its area and acting on it. They will need to involve children and young people in this process, and inspectors will take account of the views of children and young people when making their judgements.

Family Budget Unit

The Family Budget Unit (FBU) is an educational charity and private limited company, founded in 1987, with three objectives:

• To advance the education of the public in all matters relating to comparative living standards and living costs throughout the United Kingdom;

• To carry out research into the economic requirements and consumer preferences of families of different composition, for each main component of a typical family budget;

• To publish the useful results of such work.

The Financial Services Authority

The FSA regulates the financial services industry and has four objectives under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000: maintaining market confidence; promoting public understanding of the financial system; the protection of consumers; and fighting financial crime.

Fostering Network

The Fostering Network is the UK's leading charity for everyone with a personal or professional involvement in fostering. The Network support foster carers, and improve the lives of children in care.

Gingerbread

Gingerbread is the leading support organisation for lone parent families in England and Wales. Gingerbread was started in 1970 and is a registered charity maintained by lone parents. At this site you will find valuable information about support for lone parent families.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)

HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) was formed on the 18 April 2005, following the merger of Inland Revenue and HM Customs and Excise Departments. Work is still continuing on their office restructuring programme. They are there to ensure the correct tax is paid at the right time, whether this relates to payment of taxes received by the department or entitlement to benefits paid.

Home Office

The Home Office is the Government department responsible for internal affairs in England and Wales. The principal aim of the Home Office is to build a safe, just and tolerant society in which the rights and responsibilities of individuals, families and communities are properly balanced and the protection and security of the public are maintained.

Independent Age

Independent Age is a unique charity, providing lifelong support to older people on very low incomes. We provide information and advice, practical help and emergency financial aid through our network of staff and dedicated volunteers across the UK and the Republic of Ireland.

Just as importantly, we offer friendship and the chance to socialise to those who are lonely and isolated. Supported by Independent Age, thousands of older people are able to maintain their independence, contribute to their communities and enjoy a good quality of life, secure in the knowledge that our help lasts as long as they need it.

We have been established since 1863.

Institute for Employment Studies

The work of IES embraces all aspects of public employment policy and HR practice. They undertake research and consultancy for a wide range of UK and international organisations and policy bodies, and the Research Networks members are leading employers in both private and public sectors. The research is widely disseminated as reports, articles and papers.

Institute for Fiscal Studies

IFS is an independent research organisation which aims to provide high quality economic analysis of public policy.

Institute for Social and Economic Research

The Institute for Social and Economic Research (ISER) specialises in the production and analysis of longitudinal data - evidence which tracks changes in the lives of the same individuals over time. The key advantage of longitudinal data over snapshot or ‘single moment in time’ information is that it allows researchers to analyse the dynamic links between individuals’ life events, living and employment conditions, behaviour and values over the lifecycle. ISER is a department of the University of Essex and is core-funded by the University and the UK’s Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).

Intelligence East Midlands

Intelligence East Midlands is the regional observatory for the East Midlands. It aims to improve access to research and intelligence and to improve the quality and relevance of research undertaken in the region.

International Social Security Association (ISSA)

The International Social Security Association (ISSA) is an international organization which essentially brings together institutions and administrative bodies dealing with one or more aspects of social security in different countries of the world, namely all forms of compulsory social protection which, by virtue of legislation or national practice, are an integral part of the social security system of these countries.

Joseph Rowntree Foundation

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation is the UK's largest independent social policy research and development charity. It supports a wide programme of research and development projects in housing, social care and social policy.

The Journal of Poverty and Social Justice

The Journal of Poverty and Social Justice , formerly known as Benefits, provides a unique blend of high-quality research, policy and practice from leading authors in the field related to all aspects of poverty and social exclusion.

Legislation.gov.uk

The official home of revised enacted UK legislation.

Local Government Association

The LGA gateway provides you with access to all Local Government Association internet websites and to websites of organisations and associations hosted by LGAnet.

Loughborough University

Loughborough is a fantastic place to study and work, boasting unrivalled sporting achievement, internationally acclaimed research and outstanding teaching quality – attributes that helped us to secure the prestigious Sunday Times ‘2008/2009 University of the Year’ award.

The attractive single-site campus provides an environment that is stimulating and supportive, offering first-rate facilities for both students and staff. There is a real pride in the University that touches everyone associated with it.

Money Advice Trust

Money Advice Trust is a charity formed in 1991 to increase the quality and availability of free, independent money advice to people with debt problems.

Independent money advice is proven to help people who are struggling to manage their debts.

The Money Advice Trust works with its partners to make sure people with debt problems have access to the money advice they need.

The Multi-National Project for Monitoring and Measuring Children's Well-Being

The Multi-National Project for Monitoring and Measuring Children's Well-Being is an ongoing, multi-phase effort to improve ability to measure and monitor the status of children around the globe.

National Centre for Social Research (NatCen)

The National Centre is the largest independent social research institute in Britain. It conducts social research among members of the public to provide information on a range of social policy issues in Britain.

The National Institute for Careers Education and Counselling (NICEC) is a network organisation initiated and sponsored by the Careers Research Advisory Centre (CRAC). NICEC's objectives are:

• to develop theory, through the convening of, and contributing to, seminars and conferences, and through a sustained output of thoughtful, informed and high quality publications.

• to inform policy through representation on national bodies, convening policy consultations and other activities. For example, the NICEC Director is a member of the Board of the Guidance Council, and is the external assessor to the National Information, Advice and Guidance Board. Recently, research and consultation have been carried out for the Department of Education and Skills, the Cabinet Office, the OECD and the European Commission.

• to enhance practice in the broad fields of career guidance and career development through staff development, consultancy and research.

National Institute for Health Research Service Delivery and Organisation (NIHR SDO)

The National Institute for Health Research Service Delivery and Organisation (NIHR SDO) programme was established in 1999. It aims to improve health outcomes for people by:

• Commissioning research evidence that improves practice in relation to the organisation and delivery of healthcare

• Building research capability and capacity amongst those who manage, organise and deliver services - improving their understanding of the research literature and how to use research evidence

National Youth Agency

The National Youth Agency supports those involved in young people's personal and social development and works to enable all young people to fulfil their potential within a just society. The National Youth Agency works in partnership with a wide range of public, private and voluntary sector organisations to support and improve services for young people. Their particular focus is on youth work and they believe strongly that by investing in young people’s personal and social development, young people are better able to live more active and fulfilling lives.

New Policy Institute

This site monitors what is happening to poverty and social exclusion in the UK and complements the annual monitoring reports. The material is organised around 50 statistical indicators covering all aspects of the subject, from income and work to health and education.

Nuffield Foundation

The Nuffield Foundation is a charitable trust established in 1943 by William Morris, Lord Nuffield, the founder of Morris Motors.

Lord Nuffield wanted to contribute to improvements in society, including the expansion of education and the alleviation of disadvantage. He called this the ‘advancement of social well-being’, and emphasised the importance of education, training and research in achieving that goal.

Today, the Foundation works to improve social well-being by funding research and innovation in education and social policy. It is also increasing the proliferation and quality of research and professional skills – both in science and social sciences – through its capacity building programmes.

Underpinning all their work is a belief in the importance of independent and rigorous research evidence and its power to bring about change.

The Foundation works mainly in the UK, but also in Europe and eastern and southern Africa. Income comes from the interest on our investments. We do not fundraise or receive funding from the Government. We are financially and politically independent.

Oxford Journals
OUP is widely recognised as one of the world’s premier journal publishers, successfully combining traditional values of quality and service together with innovative use of the latest technologies.

Oxford University Press

Oxford University Press is a department of the University of Oxford. It furthers the University's objective of excellence in research, scholarship, and education by publishing worldwide.

It is the world's largest university press. It publishes more than 4,500 new books a year, has a presence in over fifty countries, and employs some 3,700 people worldwide. Turnover in 1999/2000 was £324 million. It has become familiar to millions through a diverse publishing programme that includes scholarly works in all academic disciplines, bibles, music, school and college textbooks, children's books, materials for teaching English as a foreign language, business books, dictionaries and reference books, and journals.

Policy Library

The aim of the Policy Library is to place public policy knowledge in the public domain. Placing policy research and analysis in the public realm enables ordinary citizens and non-governmental organisations to compete and contest the opinions and decisions of civil servants, local government officials and politicians.

Policy Press

The Policy Press is the specialist policy studies publisher in the UK, publishing books, journals, reports and guides from leading academics and researchers working in policy and practice. Publications provide the latest policy research in accessible formats, reaching those who formulate or implement policy at executive and grass-roots levels – as well as academics and students.

The Poverty and Social Exclusion Survey of Britain is the first national study to attempt to measure social exclusion, and to introduce a methodology for poverty and social exclusion which is internationally comparable.

Policy Studies Institute

One of Britain's leading research institutes, conducting research which will promote economic well-being and improve quality of life. PSI enjoys a reputation for the rigorous and impartial evaluation of policy initiatives, and the publication and dissemination of research findings is central to PSI's ethos.

Poverty and Social Exclusion

The Poverty and Social Exclusion Survey of Britain is the most comprehensive and scientifically rigorous survey of its kind ever undertaken. It provides unparalleled detail about deprivation and exclusion among the British population at the close of the twentieth century.

Princess Royal Trust for Carers

The Princess Royal Trust for Carers was created on the initiative of Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal in 1991. At that time people caring at home for family members or friends with disabilities and chronic illnesses were scarcely recognised as requiring support.

For nearly 20 years, The Princess Royal Trust for Carers has been fighting to provide carers with the support they so desperately need. The Trust understands that few of us plan to become carers, so when a caring role starts, every carer needs an expert to guide them through the maze of services, rules and entitlements. For a carer, this can make the difference between keeping and losing their job, or between staying healthy and collapsing under the stress.

At the heart of The Trust is a unique network of 144 independently-managed Carers' Centres, 89 young carers' services and interactive websites ( www.carers.org and www.youngcarers.net) which deliver around the clock support to over 424,000 carers and approximately 25,000 young carers.

RaceOnline

Race Online 2012 is a challenge to everyone in the UK. The ambition is to make the UK the first nation in the world where everyone can use the web.

Resolution Foundation

The Resolution Foundation is an independent research and policy organisation. Their goal is to improve outcomes for low and modest earners – in particular the 11.1 million low-to-middle earners (LMEs) who make up the ‘squeezed middle’, living on below median income but broadly independent of state support.

Save the Children UK

Save the Children UK are the UK's leading international children's charity, working to create a better future for children. Save The Children are active in the UK, as well as more than 70 countries worldwide. They involve children in what they do and believe in listening and learning from them.

School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Loughborough University

The new School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences (SSEHS). SSEHS was formally launched on 12 May 2009 by Her Royal Highness Princess Anne, and has been operational from the start of the 2009 academic year.

The new school is an amalgamation of two independent outstanding multi-disciplinary departments: Sport and Exercise Sciences and Human Sciences.

SSEHS has been created to facilitate the sharing of knowledge and expertise between nationally and internationally renowned staff for the teaching and research of sport, exercise and health disciplines.

Social Policy Research Centre (SPRC), University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia

SPRC is a highly regarded research centre in the field of social policy and is directed by the eminent international social policy analyst, Professor Peter Saunders. CRSP worked with SPRC on the International Social Security Association project ‘Assessing the Coverage Gap’.

Social Policy Research Unit

The Social Policy Research Unit at the University of York is an independent research unit within the Department of Social Policy and Social Work. The Unit has an international reputation for excellence in research in key areas of social policy, including health and social care, and social security and employment.

Social Research Association

The SRA was founded in the UK in 1978 to advance the conduct, development and application of social research. The SRA runs a wide variety of activities, including training days, seminars, conferences and social events.

Sure Start

Sure Start is the Government’s programme to deliver the best start in life for every child by bringing together; early education, childcare, health and family support. Therefore aiming to achieve better outcomes for children, parents and communities.

TNS-BMRB

TNS-BMRB provides knowledge that helps Government, the private sector and the Third Sector plan and care for society. TNS-BMRB are a full-service research agency. Their expertise includes the provision of national statistics, public policy analysis, public service performance measurement and improvement, and communications evaluation. They map and measure values, attitudes and behaviours across society, to explore how Britain is changing. Their work informs policy makers across national and local Government at the highest level.

Townsend Centre, Bristol University

The Townsend Centre for International Poverty Research was launched on 1st July 1999 at the University of Bristol. It is dedicated to multidisciplinary research on poverty in both the industrialised and developing world.

Transport Research Safety Centre, Loughborough University

The objectives of the Transport Safety Research Centre are to reduce traffic casualties and mitigate the broader impact of transport on society by conducting world-leading basic and applied research.

Previously called the Vehicle Safety Research Centre it was renamed in 2010 to reflect the greater diversity of its research in the field of traffic safety and transport technologies.

The TSRC is a multi-disciplinary team conducting research into all aspects of road and vehicle safety and road user behaviour. With a team of over 35 staff and post-graduate researchers the Centre bases its research on real-world accident studies, naturalistic studies of driver behaviour and statistical analysis of accident, health and mobility data.

The Centre conducts research on behalf of Government and Industry and our work impacts directly on the road and vehicle safety policies and the performance requirements of new vehicles.

HM Treasury

The Treasury is responsible for formulating and implementing the UK Government's financial and economic policy.

United Kingdom Parliament

Here you will find information about the United Kingdom Parliament, the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

University Library

Library services at Loughborough University are part of the Division of Information Services and Systems, which also includes Audiovisual, Computing Services and Corporate Information Services.

Warwick Institute for Employment Research

The Warwick Institute for Employment Research was established by the University of Warwick in 1981. The IER is one of Europe's leading centres for research in the labour market field. Its work includes comparative European research on employment and training as well as that focusing on the UK at national, regional and local level. The IER is concerned principally with the development of scientific knowledge about the socioeconomic system rather than with the evolution and application of one particular discipline.

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