Report

‘Missing Experts’: class diversity in anti-poverty think tanks and charities

New research, published by charity RECLAIM and part-funded by the Joseph Rowntree Foundatation, shows that working-class people are hidden or missing in some of the most influential think tanks and anti-poverty charities in the UK.

Blurred image of professionally dressed people at a desk talking

‘Missing Experts’ explores why working class people are under-represented in UK antipoverty charities and think tanks and how we can build a new era of charities of all the talents.

The research, published by charity RECLAIM and part-funded by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, interviewed 30 people from working class backgrounds in think tanks and anti-poverty charities, and surveyed 277 people with working-class backgrounds who’ve worked in the sector. Respondents ranged from chief executives to people in entry-level roles.

  • 277 people with working-class backgrounds who’ve worked in the sector were surveyed in the writing of the report.

  • 94% of respondents said that class diversity was a problem in think tanks and anti-poverty charities.

  • 59% of working-class people either do not openly talk about their background at work or only do so partially.

  • 70% of respondents agreed that different language would be used about working class people if more worked in their organisation.

READ THE FULL STORY AND REPORT HERE