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.
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
This research explores long-term economic importance of early years language skills, highlighting why this basic skill is so crucial to individuals as well as wider society. Read more
PBE’s research raises concerns of a false economy in children’s services, where the need for Local Authorities to cut costs has fallen predominantly on early interventions spending such as children’s centres, family support services and services for young people. Read more
We know that the social sector plays a vital role in the wellbeing of our country. It also plays a vital role in our economy. But currently, we know very little about the scale or nature of that contribution. Read more
This month, charities reported that they expect a long road of recovery ahead. There are concerns that financial challenges will not abate, as organisations struggle to get fundraising events back in the calendar and to fill those already pencilled in. Read more
This note is the first of a series of summaries we’ll be publishing from the Law Family Commission on Civil Society's call for evidence on unleashing the potential of civil society in the 2020s. Read more
Is there an opportunity for the charity sector in the £250billion in built up household savings? Our analysis examines the behavioural insights and changes to Gift Aid which could help increase donations from the pandemic savings "windfall". Read more
As part of the Law Family Commission on Civil Society, PBE is investigating the role and potential for better data about social sector organisations, with a particular focus on charities. Read more
With the Covid crisis and its impacts on our economy evident and plans to level up the economy through the recovery becoming real, the need for a national debate on numeracy is now an urgent one. Read more
With each new announcement, it becomes clearer what levelling up really means. It also raises new questions as to whether the government will truly be able to improve people’s lives in a meaningful way. Read more