We actively embrace 'difficult conversations' and we bring an intergenerational, multi-sector and ethical dimension to all aspects of our work.
We convene leaders and influencers, students, practitioners and young people, to facilitate candid conversations, involving the open exchanging of views and mutual learning.
This helps us to:
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Inspire and connect leaders and people of influence to build networks across sectors and academic disciplines, and to explore practical opportunities for positive social change
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Support and equip students and young people with the skills and motivation to promote more peaceful, open and inclusive societies in their life and work.
Inclusive environment
We are renowned for facilitating an inclusive and reflective environment for candid conversations. This encourages people to 'disagree well', by openly exchanging their views, respecting difference, and actively listening to others.
We ask participants to follow the Chatham House Rule if we feel it will enhance the open exchange of views, but as far as possible we seek to share the content and outputs from the conversations we convene with the wider public.
Attendance at some of our events is by invitation only, because physical space is limited and we need to ensure a balanced and diverse representation of backgrounds and perspectives. This diversity is important for enhancing the quality of dialogue and debate, but we warmly welcome all enquiries about attending.
Informing public opinion and policy action
Ahead of each Cumberland Lodge conference, we commission a freelance Research Associate to present an accessible summary of cross-sector, interdisciplinary research. This briefing document helps to maximise the rigour of our conference discussions.
Key learning points and recommendations from the conferences are further critiqued and refined at an evening consultation held at Cumberland Lodge, involving conference representatives and additional specialists with significant experience in the field.
This process culminates in the publication of a Cumberland Lodge Report, which presents fresh insights on best practice and practical recommendations for positive change.
Our reports are launched in central London, in front of an invited audience of contributors, media representatives, policymakers, parliamentarians and practitioners.
We also share our research, reports and other digital resources online, through the media and via our Read, Watch, Listen webpages, e-newsletters and social media channels.
