Joseph Rowntree Foundation/ Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust

Strategic Plan for 2008

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation is one of the largest social policy research and development charites in the UK. For over 100 years we have been engaged with searching out the causes of social problems, investigating solutions and seeking to influence those who can make changes. The Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust engages in practical housing and care work.

Our Mission

Is to search, demonstrate and influence, providing evidence, solutions and ideas that will help to overcome the causes of poverty, disadvantage and social evil.

What we will do in 2008

Poverty - our aim: to examine the root causes of poverty and disadvantage and identify solutions.

Our objectives:

  • improve understanding of the causes and consequences of poverty
  • develop solutions to the problems caused by poverty
  • understand trends and attitudes to poverty
  • address poverty and disadvantage in general and amongst residents

Empowerment - our aim: to identify ways of enabling people and communities to have control of their own lives

Our objectives:

  • support communities so that the knowledge and expertise of residents can benefit the whole community
  • enable people to live as independently as possible
  • remove barriers that prevent people from realising their potential
  • identify ways of adapting and changing funding structures and systems for long-term care to provide real security and support for people needing care

Place - our aim: to contribute to the building and development of strong,cohesive and sustainable communities

Our objectives:

  • help improve the quality of life in disadvantaged neighbourhoods
  • understand the changes taking place in communities and neighbourhoods
  • develop the economic,social and environmental sustainability of homes
  • improve access to affordable homes for people on low incomes

Special Theme for 2008: social evils

In 2007 JRF launched a new inquiry into the nature of social evil in the 21st century. We have talked to the general public, to vulnerable groups of people whose voices often go unheard and to policy makers, practitioners and leaders in the voluntary sector. We have now heard what people think are today's social problems and are analysing the underlying reasons for these. In 2008 we will explore and share the issues raised.

Search, demonstrate and influence

We search out the causes of poverty and disadvantage by researching the underlying causes, identifying practical solutions and evaluating our practice.
We demonstrate solutions by working with other practitioners and sharing the practice of the Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust as a provider of housing and care.
We influence by publishing evidence from research and practice and engaging with those with the influence to change things, to enable those experiencing poverty and disadvantage to be heard.

In all our work we look to understand and support;

  • diversity of communities
across the UKenvironmental sustainability - looking to reduce the carbon footprint of our existing offices and housing as well as demonstrating how new buildings can minimise environmental damage
  • an independent voluntary sector -
  • supporting the sector's development and engaging with the debate about future directions
  • the four countries
  • of the UK and their different approaches to policy and practice.

    Where we will work

    York, Yorkshire and the North East

    The JRF has a UK- wide influence but its base - the majority of its housing and development and its historic legacy - lies in York. We are a significant service provider, major employer, and key player in the development of the city of York - particularly in developing a 21st-century community at Derwenthorpe. We are also opening two extra care retirement villages in Hartlepool and Scarborough in 2008.

    JRF is committed to a ten-year programme of engagement in Bradford. In partnership with statutory organisations and third sector organisations, JRF wants to make positive difference to the people of Bradford by funding research into the challenges facing the city; investing in the development of services in Bradford; and working with others to ensure that Bradford's assets are maximised.

    UK

    In its searching and influencing work the JRF needs to understand the changing landscapes developing across the devolved administrations of the UK. Where appropriate, the Foundation prioritises activity that explores and shares the learning from each country to benefit the rest of the UK.