What is the commission?
The Independent Commission on Community and Cohesion brings together 19 respected figures from across public life. These include leaders from politics, civil society, faith, business, academia, and the media. Together, they are working to understand what is driving disconnection in the UK and what needs to change.
Co-chaired by Sir Sajid Javid and Jon Cruddas, the Commission has been formed with rare cross-party support. Its mission is to develop practical and lasting recommendations that can strengthen connection and rebuild a sense of belonging in communities throughout the UK.
This is not a government initiative: it is a cross-society effort that is grounded in evidence, listening, and collaboration.
Our role as secretariat
The /together coalition is proud to act as the Secretariat to the Commission. We provide coordination, communications support, and help ensure that the Commission’s work remains rooted in the experiences of real communities.
With over 400 partner organisations across the UK, /together brings reach, diversity, and on-the-ground insight to this effort. Our goal is to help make this a truly national and inclusive mission.
The National Conversation
The National Conversation is the Commission’s public engagement workstrand – a UK-wide listening initiative, inviting people right across the country to share what they value about community life and the kind of communities they want to build together.
Before its closure on 31 August, over the last few months people participated in two main ways:
- A UK-wide survey, hosted independently by Nuffield College, University of Oxford.
- Group conversations held in communities across the UK throughout the campaign.
Schools, colleges, youth groups and community organisations can still participate in the National Conversation: Next Generation this Autumn by hosting conversations using the free toolkit and resources.
The first phase
The State of Us: Community Strength and Cohesion in the UK is a foundational report by British Future and Belong that offers a powerful snapshot of connection, division, and community life across the UK.
The report draws on national polling, expert insights, and public contributions to understand how people are experiencing life together today. It feeds into the next phase of the Independent Commission on Community and Cohesion‘s work; with the National Conversation at its core.
Stay connected
This page will be updated with news from the Commission and from the National Conversation. To take part now:
- Add your voice at thenationalconversation.org.uk
- Follow the campaign on X (@TheNatConvoUK) and Instagram (@thenatconvouk)
- Follow the Commission on LinkedIn
To learn more details about the Commission and stay informed, visit the website.
