Joseph Rowntree Foundation

Joseph Rowntree Foundation is a major UK-based independent social research organization that aims to understand the root causes of social problems and develop solutions to address them, working with University of York, University of Oxford, and London School of Economics. The foundation was established in 1904 by Joseph Rowntree, a Quaker businessman and social reformer, who was also a pioneer in the field of social research, similar to Charles Booth and Seebohm Rowntree. The foundation's work is guided by the principles of social justice, equality, and human rights, as reflected in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the European Social Charter. The foundation collaborates with various organizations, including Oxfam, Save the Children, and Amnesty International, to address issues such as poverty, inequality, and social exclusion.

● History

The foundation's history dates back to 1904, when Joseph Rowntree established the organization to address the social and economic problems of the time, including poverty, unemployment, and housing conditions, which were also major concerns for David Lloyd George and Winston Churchill. The foundation's early work focused on conducting social research and providing philanthropic support to address these issues, working with organizations such as the National Council of Social Service and the Charity Organisation Society. Over the years, the foundation has evolved to address new and emerging social issues, including racial inequality, gender inequality, and disability rights, which are also key concerns for United Nations, European Union, and Human Rights Watch. The foundation has worked with prominent individuals, such as Beveridge Report author William Beveridge, and organizations, including Toynbee Hall and Barnardo's, to develop and implement solutions to these problems.

● Mission and Objectives

The foundation's mission is to inspire social change and promote social justice by conducting high-quality social research and working with policymakers, practitioners, and communities to develop and implement effective solutions, in collaboration with University of Cambridge, University of Manchester, and King's College London. The foundation's objectives include addressing the root causes of poverty and inequality, promoting social inclusion and community cohesion, and supporting the development of effective policies and practices to address social problems, which are also key goals for World Bank, International Labour Organization, and UNICEF. The foundation works with a range of partners, including local authorities, voluntary organizations, and community groups, to achieve these objectives and promote social justice, as reflected in the European Convention on Human Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

● Research and Publications

The foundation conducts a wide range of social research studies and publishes reports, briefings, and other materials to inform policy and practice, working with Institute for Fiscal Studies, National Institute of Economic and Social Research, and Centre for Economic Performance. The foundation's research focuses on key social issues, including poverty, inequality, housing, and social care, which are also major concerns for Department for Work and Pensions, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, and NHS England. The foundation's publications are widely read and respected, and are used by policymakers, practitioners, and academics to inform their work, including House of Commons Library, House of Lords Library, and British Library. The foundation also works with other research organizations, such as Nuffield Foundation and Economic and Social Research Council, to advance knowledge and understanding of social issues.

● Policy and Advocacy

The foundation works to influence policy and practice by providing evidence-based research and analysis to policymakers and practitioners, in collaboration with Institute for Public Policy Research, Centre for Social Justice, and Fabian Society. The foundation advocates for social justice and human rights, and works to promote social inclusion and community cohesion, which are also key goals for European Commission, Council of Europe, and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The foundation engages with parliamentarians, civil servants, and other stakeholders to inform and shape policy and legislation, including Welfare Reform Act 2012 and Equality Act 2010. The foundation also works with other organizations, such as Trades Union Congress and Confederation of British Industry, to promote social justice and human rights.

● Governance and Funding

The foundation is governed by a board of trustees, which includes experts from a range of fields, including social research, policy, and practice, such as Baroness Hale of Richmond and Lord Woolf. The foundation is funded by a combination of endowment income and grants from other organizations, including Big Lottery Fund and ESRC. The foundation also generates income from the sale of its publications and other activities, which are used to support its research and advocacy work, in collaboration with Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust and Yorkshire and Humber Regional Assembly. The foundation is committed to transparency and accountability, and publishes annual reports and accounts, which are available on its website, along with Charity Commission and Companies House.

Category:Social research organizations