Group of PhD students posing with arms in the air on steps in front of leafy background.

Our work in 2023-24

In 2023-24, we accelerated our mission to develop the next generation of leaders, to champion dialogue, inspire change, and create a lasting social impact. Through our programmes and partnerships, we’ve:

empowered participants with the knowledge and skills to understand the drivers of social division and conflict;
promoted ethical leadership to find equitable solutions to real-world challenges;
fostered collaboration and social cohesion by creating opportunities for peer-to-peer interaction, intercultural, intergenerational, and cross-sector dialogue; and
built strong national networks among young leaders, paving the way for longer-term global partnerships.

By bringing together diverse groups – from youth to industry leaders – we sparked impactful conversations on pressing societal issues.

“In Flitcroft, where many of our discussions took place, a framed quote on the wall read: ‘We can’t change what we don’t understand’. This quote encapsulates the essence of our time at Cumberland Lodge. The opportunity to learn, reflect, and engage with diverse perspectives is the first step toward meaningful change in our lives and the world around us.”
– Life Beyond the PhD Conference participant 2024

Developing future leaders

Our educational programmes are designed to inspire and equip the leaders of tomorrow. From one-off workshops on ethics, intercultural understanding, and communication skills to immersive cohort programmes, we provide transformative learning experiences.

In 2023-24, we launched our Rule of Law cohort programme for early-career professionals, police officers and law students, exploring over three residential weekends the challenges facing the law today. Our flagship Youth & Democracy project began engaging 16-20-year-olds nationwide to discuss the barriers to democratic participation. Additionally, the Youth Arts Takeover harnessed creativity to explore our heritage, bringing young people from Hackney and Slough to the Lodge.

Across 10 events we welcomed over 370 participants, and 60 guest speakers.

Ongoing support is essential to expand these programmes, increase their reach, and provide even more opportunities for young people.

Strengthening social cohesion

Our Exploring Ethics sessions encourage critical reflection on the moral, cultural, and intergenerational dimensions of contemporary social challenges. We encourage all visiting student groups to include an Exploring Ethics session in their programme.

In 2023-24, we delivered 18 Exploring Ethics sessions to more than 700 students from universities across the UK, on themes including AI, freedom of speech, and disagreeing well.

Creating lasting change

The Cumberland Lodge Fellowship is a cornerstone of our ambition to empower leaders, both nationally and internationally. With a network of over 80 alumni, the Fellowship creates new ambassadors for our work.

In 2023-24, we welcomed our 10th cohort, with 10 new Fellows joining the two-year leadership programme. The Fellowship focuses on developing an in-depth understanding of contemporary social issues, public engagement, and interdisciplinary skills.

Working in partnership

Our partnerships have been instrumental in delivering impactful projects and publications. In 2023-24, we established new collaborations with St Paul’s Cathedral for our Gen Z and the City project, as well as the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, Big Voice London, and the College of Policing as part of our Rule of Law programme.

We also partnered with a network of eight youth organisations across the UK for our Youth and Democracy project, onboarding 30 young changemakers into our democracy network, and continued our work with the Council for At-Risk Academics (Cara) through our Fellowship programme.

These collaborations enable us to remain at the forefront of addressing society’s most pressing challenges.

“There isn’t any other programme like this one anywhere that has such an impact and such networks available.”
– Rule of Law cohort member 2024

Hosting your events

In 2023-24, we welcomed nearly 10,000 guests, including over 3,000 university students, across 274 events (and serving around 50,000 meals!). By hiring our facilities, you’re not just hosting an event – you’re supporting our mission to develop young leaders. Our guests return year after year for the Lodge’s inspiring atmosphere, excellent hospitality, and the knowledge that their booking makes a difference.

Looking ahead: 2024-25

In the coming year, we will:

expand Youth & Democracy with new workshops and webinars
launch a Freedom of Religion and Belief programme, partnering with emerging faith and community leaders to strengthen social cohesion
re-launch the Fellowship scheme for 10 doctoral students and early-career professionals
revitalise our calendar of public events like Cumberland Conversations, open days, and a Murder Mystery Weekend.