--- title: Home description: Society Matters Foundation is dedicated to making a significant impact on policy both regionally and nationally. We serve as a pivotal voice advocating for the potential of the North of England and its residents. Our mission is to challenge policymakers and drive meaningful change that benefits the communities we serve. By informing and influencing policy, we strive to unlock opportunities and address the unique challenges faced by the North. Our commitment to social progress and equity guides every initiative we undertake. Join us in our efforts to create a brighter future for the people of the North of England. image: https://societymattersfoundation.org.uk/hubfs/Society%20Matters%20Foundation.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://societymattersfoundation.org.uk#main-content) [![Foundation logo](https://societymattersfoundation.org.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Foundation%20logo.png?width=2147&height=502&name=Foundation%20logo.png)](https://societymattersfoundation.org.uk/) - [Home](https://societymattersfoundation.org.uk/) - [Insights](https://societymattersfoundation.org.uk/blog) - [Reports](https://societymattersfoundation.org.uk/reports) Open main navigation Close main navigation - [Home](https://societymattersfoundation.org.uk/) - [Insights](https://societymattersfoundation.org.uk/blog) - [Reports](https://societymattersfoundation.org.uk/reports) - [Events](https://societymattersfoundation.org.uk/events) [Events](https://societymattersfoundation.org.uk/events) ### Society Matters Foundation is our voice on the regional and national stage, challenging policy makers to unlock the potential of the North of England and the people who live there. We achieve this by highlighting progressive policy positions through research, policy papers, transformative conversation, and insightful events.   [![](https://societymattersfoundation.org.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/ad%20up.png?height=200&name=ad%20up.png)](https://societymattersfoundation.org.uk/blog/society-matters-group-ceo-alison-dunn-awarded-mbe-in-kings-birthday-honours) ## [Society Matters Group CEO Alison Dunn awarded MBE in King’s Birthday Honours](https://societymattersfoundation.org.uk/blog/society-matters-group-ceo-alison-dunn-awarded-mbe-in-kings-birthday-honours) ![Picture of Society Matters Foundation](https://societymattersfoundation.org.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/foundation_favicon.png?width=50&name=foundation_favicon.png) [Society Matters Foundation](https://societymattersfoundation.org.uk/blog/author/society-matters-foundation) Society Matters Group is proud to announce that its Chief Executive, Alison Dunn, has been awarded... [Read more](https://societymattersfoundation.org.uk/blog/society-matters-group-ceo-alison-dunn-awarded-mbe-in-kings-birthday-honours) [![](https://societymattersfoundation.org.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/00SF4104_richardeyers.photography.jpg?height=200&name=00SF4104_richardeyers.photography.jpg)](https://societymattersfoundation.org.uk/blog/reflections-on-the-society-matters-foundation-launch) ## [Reflections on the Foundation Launch](https://societymattersfoundation.org.uk/blog/reflections-on-the-society-matters-foundation-launch) ![Picture of Dr. Nicola Headlam](https://societymattersfoundation.org.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/nicola_avatar.png?width=50&name=nicola_avatar.png) [Dr. Nicola Headlam](https://societymattersfoundation.org.uk/blog/author/dr-nicola-headlam) I'm still processing Monday's Society Matters Foundation launch at St James' Park. As I travelled... [Read more](https://societymattersfoundation.org.uk/blog/reflections-on-the-society-matters-foundation-launch) [![](https://societymattersfoundation.org.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/dr_nicola_headlam_!.jpg?height=200&name=dr_nicola_headlam_!.jpg)](https://societymattersfoundation.org.uk/blog/the-past-and-future-of-northern-prosperity) ## [The Past and Future of Northern Prosperity](https://societymattersfoundation.org.uk/blog/the-past-and-future-of-northern-prosperity) ![Picture of Alison Dunn](https://societymattersfoundation.org.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Alison+Dunn+Headshot%20(1).png?width=50&name=Alison+Dunn+Headshot%20(1).png) [Alison Dunn](https://societymattersfoundation.org.uk/blog/author/alison-dunn) As we prepare for the launch of the Society Matters Foundation, I find myself reflecting on a... [Read more](https://societymattersfoundation.org.uk/blog/the-past-and-future-of-northern-prosperity) #### We're proud to be part of Society Matters Group: ![Society Matters only-2](https://societymattersfoundation.org.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Society%20Matters%20only-2.png?width=3840&height=2160&name=Society%20Matters%20only-2.png) ![cag blue](https://societymattersfoundation.org.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/cag%20blue.png?width=960&height=540&name=cag%20blue.png) ![Society Matters Foundation](https://societymattersfoundation.org.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Society%20Matters%20Foundation.png?width=1920&height=1080&name=Society%20Matters%20Foundation.png) ![Suitability (1)](https://societymattersfoundation.org.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/Suitability%20(1).png?width=1920&height=1080&name=Suitability%20(1).png) ### *This Is The North* brings bold, thought-provoking conversations about inequality, creativity and the future of the North of England. Hosted by our Foundation's founder, Alison Dunn, the podcast challenges the systems holding our region back and showcases the people driving real change. Proudly supported by Society Matters Foundation. [FIND ALL EPISODES HERE](http://alisondunn.co.uk/this-is-the-north-podcast) #### Contact Us   [hello@societymattersfoundation.org.uk](mailto:hello@societymattersfoundation.org.uk) The Davidson Building, Swan Street, Gateshead, NE8 1BG > **"I think this is incredibly important. The coming together of organisations, the convening of people who are working on the front line, improving people’s lives, tackling poverty, solving these social issues, looking at issues around transport and housing insecurity, are absolutely crucial."** > > > > ![kim_mcguinness_nemayor](https://societymattersfoundation.org.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/kim_mcguinness_nemayor.png?width=75&height=75&name=kim_mcguinness_nemayor.png) > > ##### Kim McGuinness, North East Mayor, North East Combined Authority [![foundation white](https://societymattersfoundation.org.uk/hs-fs/hubfs/foundation%20white.png?width=400&height=102&name=foundation%20white.png "foundation white")](https://societymattersfoundation.org.uk/) - [Home](https://societymattersfoundation.org.uk) - [Insights](https://societymattersfoundation.org.uk/blog) - [Reports](https://societymattersfoundation.org.uk/reports) [linkedin-in icon](https://www.linkedin.com/company/society-matters-foundation) Privacy Policy · Legal · © 2026. 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