Policy and Research

Championing and defending civil society

We ask (and keep asking) how change is happening today, spot emerging trends and ask what barriers change-makers are facing.

We do it by listening to the people making change, sharing what we learn and building our evidence base.

Because we listen as much as we speak, we can confidently champion civil society’s right to speak out and offer training and expert consultancy that’s always up to date.

Defending our Democratic Space 

In 2022, we spoke to charities, organisations, grassroots campaigners, and people beyond civil society. We heard concerns about specific threats to democratic space. Yet, the bigger picture emerged as the greatest concern – we heard the overall problem is serious and growing, but is largely going unnoticed.

This report documents the problem, asks why it is happening, and shares strategies we can use to counter the threats.

SMK Review document
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Trustee attitudes to campaigning

We surveyed 165 charity trustees on their attitudes, appetite and understanding of speaking out, campaigning, charity regulation and more.

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The glass star National Campaigner Awards on a table
The Social Change Project

We continuously ask ‘what can we learn about how social change is happening today that can strengthen civil society?

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Protecting the space to campaign

Civil society’s right to speak out is vital to our democracy. It’s something we champion and fight to protect.

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Amplifying campaigners’ voices

What’s happening with change-makers? Our Annual Campaigner Survey helps us speak up more powerfully for them. Read more >

SMK policy and research reports

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The Chilling Reality Report

Is the Lobbying Act affecting civil society’s ability to campaign? The evidence says ‘yes’.

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The Social Power Report

How civil society can unleash ‘Social Power’ by being bolder and braver, and new tools to help you think differently.

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The Power Project Report

The Power Project calls for a new way of thinking about power, and action to build solidarity in social change.

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Trustee Survey Results

We surveyed 165 charity trustees on their attitudes to speaking out, campaigning, charity regulation, and more. 

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SMK Campaigner Survey results

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2021 Results

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2020 Results

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2019 Results

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2018 Results

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2017 Results

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2016 Results

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Curious about Change?

The Change Network is a chance to explore change, expand your understanding, and connect with other change-makers.

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