About
The National Conversation is a UK wide listening exercise, designed to hear directly from people in every nation and region about their experiences of community life.
Central to the National Conversation is a national survey, designed and run independently by Nuffield College, University of Oxford.
The National Conversation sits at the heart of the Independent Commission on Community and Cohesion.
The Commission is developing a vision for how we can live well together, alongside practical recommendations to help make it a reality. But those conclusions can only be credible if they’re grounded in what people across the country actually tell us.
The Independent Commission on Community & Cohesion is a once-in-a-generation initiative responding to one of Britain’s greatest challenges: the converging crises of social disconnection and division.
The Commission brings together leading voices from across the UK to examine what’s driving these divides – and what needs to change to help build stronger, more connected communities. Its mission is to understand the country’s state of connection and cohesion, and then set out a credible shared vision for how we can live well together – alongside the practical steps needed to make it a reality.
The Commission is co-chaired by former Conservative cabinet minister Sir Sajid Javid, and former Labour Policy Coordinator Jon Cruddas, and brings together more than 20 commissioners spanning politics, academia, business, faith and civil society.
The insights gathered through the National Conversation will inform a report by the Commission, due to be published in late 2026. That report will combine public insight with academic research and a year-long programme of expert testimony and commissioner deliberation.
For more information, head to www.livingwelltogether.org.uk
FAQs
What is the National Conversation?
The National Conversation is a major UK-wide listening exercise with two routes in: a survey, designed and run independently by Nuffield College, University of Oxford, and Group Conversations – short, structured discussions hosted by community organisations, workplaces, faith groups and others across the country. Together they ask people across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland about their experiences of community life – connection, belonging, trust, and what kind of communities they want to be part of. It runs from May to August 2026. The insights will inform the Commission’s work as it develops its vision and practical recommendations, due to be published in late 2026.
Who is behind it?
The National Conversation is the public listening exercise of the Independent Commission on Community and Cohesion — a major national inquiry co-chaired by Sir Sajid Javid, former Conservative cabinet minister, and Jon Cruddas, former Labour Party Policy Coordinator. The Commission is independent of the government and any political party. It brings together more than 20 commissioners spanning politics, academia, business, faith and civil society.
Is this a government initiative?
Who can take part?
Anyone. The survey is open to everyone across the UK, whatever your background, wherever you live. We are particularly keen to hear from people who don’t usually take part in this kind of exercise — the more representative the responses, the stronger the evidence.
How long does the survey take?
Up to ten minutes. The survey is designed and run independently by researchers at Nuffield College, University of Oxford, and asks about your experiences of community life. You can take it on any device.
What happens to my data?
All survey data is held by the University of Oxford in accordance with UK data protection law and the University’s research data governance policies.
What will happen with the findings?
The insights gathered will feed directly into the Commission’s final report, due to be published in late 2026. That report will set out a vision for how we can live well together in the years ahead — and the practical recommendations the Commissioners are developing to help make that a reality. The Commission’s recommendations are designed to be credible and actionable, irrespective of which party is in government.
How do I host a Group Conversation?
Any organisation can host one — no special training needed. Download our free facilitation guide and resources from the Resources page. Built on peer research principles, sessions follow three simple stages: participants complete the survey individually, a guided discussion follows, and key insights are captured. A Group Conversation can be as informal as a coffee morning or as structured as a team meeting. All materials are provided.
How can children and young people take part in the National Conversation?
Schools, colleges, youth groups and community organisations can participate by hosting conversations using our free toolkit and resources (see Young People page).
Join the conversation this Autumn. Get involved in National Conversation: Next Generation Week, 5–9 October – a dedicated week for young people across the country to share their views and shape the conversation.
Want to find out more, get involved or help children and young people have their say? Email education@together.org.uk.
Who funds the National Conversation?
The National Conversation is part of the work of the Independent Commission on Community and Cohesion, which is completely independent of government and any political party. The Commission’s secretariat is provided by /together – a registered charity – and its work is funded by grants and philanthropic contributions.
