Transforming institutions

We help institutions such as national and local government, funders, and public bodies, understand emerging risks and develop practical strategies to prevent identity-based violence. Drawing on evidence, community insight and international learning, we support organisations to strengthen policy and build prevention into everyday practice. 

For example in Stoke-on-Trent project, we led a large-scale community listening exercise involving 1,300 residents, to understand their lived experiences and the real drivers of local tension. The findings informed ten practical priorities, helping shape the city’s new social cohesion strategy. 

When crises emerge, our priority is keeping the protection of people at the centre of decision-making. Whether supporting responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, the disorder that followed the Southport attacks, or international crises including Sudan, Gaza and Ukraine, we work with communities, civil society, governments and international partners to provide trusted advice, strengthen coordination and ensure identity-based violence is not overlooked. For example, following the escalation of violence in El Fasher and across Darfur, we provided strategic advice to the UK Government on atrocity prevention and civilian protection, helping strengthen the UK's response.

Responsible institutions depend on confident people. We provide training, mentoring and practical support that build the skills, confidence and knowledge to prevent identity-based violence, strengthen trust and create more inclusive organisations. 

One example is our Active Bystander training with major transport operators, including Transport for London, Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern, equipping frontline staff to recognise and safely respond to hate, supporting these organisations to embed prevention into their everyday practice. We also run public sessions, so anyone can learn to safely step in when they witness hate.  

Preventing identity-based violence depends on strong relationships between communities and institutions. We act as a trusted bridge, ensuring community experience informs policy while helping institutions engage more effectively with the people they serve. By creating spaces for collaboration, we strengthen trust, improve decision-making and build more effective responses. One example is the MOPAC London Hate Crime Stakeholder Reference Group, where community organisations, policymakers and policing partners come together to share learning, build relationships and strengthen London's response to hate crime. 

When institutions plan for emergencies, the communities most at risk are too often overlooked. Commissioned by London Resilience, we coordinate the London Resilience Equalities Partnership, which brings equalities groups into the heart of the capital's emergency planning. Shaped by our consultation with 80 equalities and resilience stakeholders, such as groups working with LGBTQI+ people, disabled people, young people, older people, migrants, racialised communities, and women, alongside government representatives, it ensures the needs of marginalised communities inform how London prepares for and responds to crises. 

Sport shapes how millions of people experience belonging, inclusion and respect. Through our national partnership with The Football Association, we developed football-specific Active Bystander training and trained more than 100 County FA staff from every county in England to deliver it. Together, they are equipping thousands of people across the game – from grassroots clubs to the Premier League, and including players, parents and carers, supporters, volunteers and others, with the confidence and skills to recognise harm in all its forms and to take appropriate, proportionate action against abuse and discrimination.