Building participation to shape a just and green PLANET
A ‘just’ transition
A strong green and digital economy can regenerate local places and improve people’s lives. To turbocharge this shift, policymakers must understand people’s readiness for change, giving support, inspiring trust, and mobilising action.
Visit our Just Transition hub‘In this moment of hope, let’s change the ‘net zero’ narrative’
Read our articleA five-point plan for a green and fair future
Read our blogLeaving no one behind in transition to net zero
Read our reportEmily Morrison - Director of Sustainability and Just Transition, The Young Foundation“As our lives are disrupted by climate impacts, we need confident, inclusive policies that enable us to realise the huge social, economic and health benefits of a green transition, as well as create a more stable, safe, and sustainable planet. Government, business and energy companies, and communities are all key stakeholders and co-leaders in reaching a fairer, greener future.”
Talking transitions: the road to net zero
The UK government has pledged to hit net zero targets by 2050 – but, if we are to achieve that goal, community engagement is crucial. This short film from The Young Foundation’s Institute for Community Studies hears from members of the public, to gain a greater understanding of their concerns, and find out just how much – or how little – people understand about the challenge we face.
Community participation in the UK’s 'green' transformation
Community collaboration in Hounslow
This project with the London Sustainable Development Commission and residents in London explores ideas to make homes more energy-efficient and cost-effective for all.
Powering sustainable London homes
We are working with local residents and Hounslow Council to make the area greener and improve quality of life, both now and for the future.
Thought leadership
A community-led net zero: how can we ensure a people-powered transition? Lib Dem conference 2023
Our CEO, Helen Goulden OBE, spoke on a panel about what a people-powered transition to net zero would look like at the Liberal Democrats conference 25 September 2023.
Community-led Net Zero: Helping vulnerable families participate in a successful transition? | SMF
The event was held in partnership with The Young Foundation’s Institute for Community Studies and Power to Change, who will be launching a radical new publication this autumn, exploring the impact of Net Zero on Britain’s poorest families.
Our spokespeople
Helen Goulden
Helen, CEO of The Young Foundation, was awarded an OBE for services to sustainable communities. She leads our multi-disciplinary team of researchers and innovators to support stronger communities across the UK. Previously, she directed innovation at Nesta, focusing on social tech and education, and developed national innovation programmes for local government. Helen has extensive experience in both the private sector and government, enhancing digital strategies and solutions for global corporate clients.
Helen Goulden OBEEmily Morrison
Emily is our Director of Sustainability and Just Transition, leading our multi-disciplinary team to drive social, environmental, and place-based impact. Previously, she worked in research and innovation, policymaking and corporate social responsibility, co-designing and driving action on climate change and community resilience at a local, national and international level. Emily leads projects with local authorities, national government and the private sector on how to ensure no community or place is left behind in transition to a fairer, greener future.
Emily MorrisonTania Carregha
Tania, at the Institute for Community Studies since 2021, previously worked in health sector consultancy, providing insights for NHS England, the British Psychological Society, and WHO. With a background in social psychology and social innovation, she brings an international perspective from living in Mexico City, Chicago, Rome, and London. She excels in disentangling complex challenges and creatively developing solutions to improve lives.
Tania CarreghaSamanthi Theminimulle
Samanthi designs and delivers research projects for the Institute for Community Studies and The Young Foundation. She has previously worked with organisations including Toynbee Hall, RUSS Lewisham, Civic Square and Digital Commons Cooperative. She does research on challenges related to and at the intersection of housing justice, climate justice and placemaking. Following a masters in Environmental Justice, Political Ecology and Degrowth, she is working with the Barcelona Urban Environmental Justice Lab to carry out her thesis on migrant and diaspora knowledge for more just urban climate futures.
Samanthi TheminimulleJacob Coburn
Joining the Institute for Community Studies in 2023, Jacob leads initiatives to support anchor institutions in fostering integrated relationships for better knowledge-sharing and strategic thinking. He previously worked in Local Government, the Local Government Association, and the Climate Change Committee, focusing on net zero skills and employment policy. At The Young Foundation, Jacob is dedicated to enabling collaborative efforts for impactful community development.
Jacob Coburn