PBE’s research and policy team uses economic analysis and the unique insight provided by our connection to the social sector to help charities, funders, firms and policymakers to collectively tackle the causes and consequences of low personal wellbeing in the UK. We do this in order to end low personal wellbeing in the United Kingdom. The team work on a wide range of issues related to low wellbeing, including mental health, education, employment, financial security, poverty, disability, inequality, volunteering and civil society
New analysis by PBE suggests volunteering is delivering productivity gains worth billions to the UK economy. Our report for Royal Voluntary Service estimates productivity gains to the economy attributable to volunteering of at least £4.6bn each year. Read more
The fifth quarterly VCSE Sector Barometer explores the relationship between charities and local government, at a time when local councils across England are in crisis. Read more
PBE's new analysis for the National Literacy Trust, funded by KPMG suggests more than a quarter of five-year-olds in England did not meet the expected standard for literacy in 2022/23, with higher rates in deprived areas of the country. Read more
PBE's Labour and Civil Society Summit offers a chance to consider how the charity sector can work alongside the public and private sectors to help to understand, shape and drive delivery of some of the Labour Party’s key ‘missions’ for reforming Britain. Read more
PBE's report for Autistica found that doubling the employment rate for autistic people would draw an additional 100,000 into work, resulting in an estimated total economic benefit to society of £900 million-£1.5 billion. Read more
There is a philanthropy knowledge gulf in the UK’s financial sector, which is preventing financial advisers from engaging their clients on philanthropy. PBE sets out five steps to overcome this gap. Read more
PBE's pre-Autumn Statement 2023 briefing Read more
New research by PBE shines a light on the significant contribution of women to the UK charity sector and examines the under-discussed gender imbalance that holds the sector back. Read more
The Q4 2023 VCSE Sector Barometer focuses in on volunteer wellbeing, looking at the effects of the cost of living crisis on staff and volunteers, and the ways charities are supporting staff. Read more
PBE analysis, commissioned by the Disabled Children's Partnership, of the costs of SEND tribunals between local authorities in England and parents and carers of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilites (SEND). Read more
PBE's latest analysis of local authority spending on children's services in England between 2010-11 and 2021-22. Read more
New analysis by PBE of the financial and wellbeing benefits of grants for fridge-freezers and washing machines, commissioned by the Association of Charitable Organisations (ACO). Read more
The third instalment of the quarterly VCSE Sector Barometer shines a spotlight on the volunteer recruitment and retention challenges faced by charities, against a backdrop of high demand but cautious optimism. Read more
More than 800 individuals and organisations provided input into the Commission’s work, which informs this submission to the FCA. In addition, PBE undertook over a dozen interviews with experts in philanthropy, philanthropy advice and within financial services to inform this submission. Read more
The final report for the Law Family Commission on Civil Society focused on Northern Ireland calls for greater collaboration between the public, private and social sectors in the country. Read more
The final report for the Law Family Commission on Civil Society focused on Scotland calls for greater collaboration between the public, private and social sectors in the country. Read more
The Q1 2023 VCSE Sector Barometer shines a spotlight on the recruitment and retention challenges faced by charities, against a challenging financial backdrop and high demand. Read more
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