A better future is possible.

At the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, we work to speed up and support the transition to a future free from poverty, in which people and planet can flourish.

UK Poverty 2024: The essential guide to understanding poverty in the UK

The essential guide to understanding poverty in the UK

Read the report

Deep poverty and destitution

Destitution in the UK 2023

This study, the fourth in the Destitution in the UK series, reveals approximately 3.8 million people experienced destitution in 2022, including around one million children. This is almost two-and-a-half times the number of people in 2017, and nearly triple the number of children. There is an urgent need for action to tackle destitution in the UK.

Report

Deep poverty and destitution

Child poverty

Housing

Designing out hardship and destitution

Not enough food. Can’t heat your home. No bed. Can’t pay the rent. Can’t afford bus fare into town. Can’t afford a friend over for tea. Living in fear of your washing machine or fridge breaking down. Can't sleep because your mind is on fire with stress and worry. These experiences have become all too common in our country.

Briefing

Deep poverty and destitution

Social security

Work

Housing

Father and child sat together reading and smiling.

What protects people from very deep poverty, and what makes it more likely?

These briefings look at the effect of work, housing, and the importance of social and financial safety nets, on the dynamics of very deep poverty. What must be done to make sure we can all afford life’s essentials when our circumstances change?

Briefing

Deep poverty and destitution

Child poverty

Work

Latest

‘Work first’ can work better

More people in employment is possible, with reforms to work and welfare policy.

Briefing

Work

Illustration demonstrating people's data being extracted from their heads to the web

AI and the power of narratives

Four exciting and creative writers explore the impacts of mainstream narratives on AI, the stories they tell and the voices they do and don’t include.

Reflection

AI for public good

Emerging Futures at JRF - two years in, the story so far

As we head into the autumnal months of the year it’s a time of turning leaves and brisker air. A time of harvesting, and sharing the fruits of our labour. In that spirit, Sophia Parker has spent some time pausing and reflecting on where we are here at JRF in our Emerging Futures work.

Reflection

Imagination infrastructures

White flowers growing on a residential estate.

Funding

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation funds and works in partnership with other organisations to unlock the UK from poverty

Our people

Meet our leadership team and our teams of experts. You can also learn more about our trustees.

Careers

Do you want to help build a more equitable and just future, free from poverty? Join us and use your skills to make a real difference.