Paul Hamlyn Foundation was one of of seven leading independent funders that came together to support Civil Society Futures (an independent inquiry into the future of civil society), and to encourage a national conversation about how English civil society can flourish in a fast changing world.
Through community events, academic research and online debate, Civil Society Futures created a space for a much needed conversation among those involved in all forms of civic action – from informal networks to vast charities, Facebook groups to faith groups. Considering how both the nature of civil society and the context it exists in are changing fast, the Inquiry investigated how to maximise the positive effects of civic action and provide a guide to how to release its potential to drive positive change.
Chaired by Julia Unwin CBE, the Inquiry ran from 2017-18, and concluded in December 2018.
Read the findings of the Inquiry below, and find out more about Civil Society Futures.
Summary report
The Story of Our Times: shifting power, bridging divides, transforming society
Research report
Civil Society in England: Its current state and future opportunity