This new PBE study for the Law Family Commission on Civil Society is the most comprehensive review of the social sector’s interactions with policymakers ever conducted. Read more
The latest PBE study for the Law Family Commission on Civil Society looks at how falling participation in philanthropy, a decline in average giving by the wealthiest, and persistently unclaimed Gift Aid have combined to create a three-fold ‘giving gap’. Read more
New survey research into how the charity sector's success in supporting people during the pandemic has come at the cost of the workforce's health and wellbeing. Read more
Improving the UK's literacy can not only help individuals to progress into higher earning roles, but it can also insulate them from sector-specific downturns as seen during the pandemic. Read more
PBE’s research and policy team uses the toolkit of economics to better understand and support the social sector.
We build on the insights derived from our charity projects to investigate how social sector organisations can get the most out of their resources. We develop ideas to support a thriving civil society and use data to grow the evidence base for action.
Following two years of research, the Law Family Commission on Civil Society, carried out by Pro Bono Economics, has published its landmark final report. Read more
This latest research for the Law Family Commission on Civil Society explores the importance of productivity in the social sector and the vital work required to boost it. Read more
After years of decline in formal volunteering, new survey data and polling suggests a rise in 2023. Read more
The Q4 2022 VCSE Sector Barometer shows rising demand, rising costs, income deterioration and service cuts in some organisations. Read more
New survey data reveals how the charity sector is struggling to adapt to the rise in energy bills, including some charities most critical to the response to the cost of living crisis. Read more
Wellbeing measurement offers a way to calculate cost-effectiveness of charity interventions, as this new guide shows Read more
Drawing from a wide range of sources such as sector experts and infrastructure bodies, we highlight the four main barriers to more effective grant-making and recommendations to improve it. Read more
New PBE research for the Law Family Commission on Civil Society calls for the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to mandate training on philanthropy advice for financial advisors, among other recommendations. Read more
An analysis for Hestia looking at how extending the right to work to all potential survivors of modern slavery could generate significant economic benefits to society. Read more
High levels of inflation are set to persist for some time. This briefing, in partnership with CAF, sets out the challenges for charities' staff, volunteers, beneficiaries, donors and finances. Read more
New PBE research for the Law Family Commission on Civil Society analysing the size of the pay gap between the charity sector and the rest of the economy. Read more
New research assessing the cost of foundation funding applications Read more
An analysis of spending on early and late intervention services for children and young people in England over the last decade. Read more
Boosting collaboration between the government and the philanthropy sector is essential to growing charitable giving. Read more
PBE's analysis of the Chancellor's Spring Statement and the latest OBR figures, what they mean for the people charities serve, charity demand and finances. Read more
New analysis on the cost-of-living crisis' impact on low-income households and the charities supporting them. Read more
Charity Finance Group (CFG) and Pro Bono Economics (PBE) have published an Economic Outlook Briefing for the charity sector. Read more
This study for the Refugee Survival Trust looks at the significant costs incurred by UK taxpayers and applicants themselves through incorrect Home Office asylum decisions. Read more
Nearly half a million social sector organisations in the UK play a vital role in sustaining our society and economy, but a serious paucity of data is preventing the social sector from unleashing its full potential Read more
Great things can happen when civil society and the private sector team up, but the scale of engagement needs to be boosted. New research about the benefits that come when these sectors team up, and what's getting in the way. Read more