What we do

We put people at the heart of our policy and research work to create bold ideas and a more collaborative democracy.

The current system of policy-making isn’t working. It’s either too partisan to address the big underlying problems we agree on, or too technocratic to find solutions that resonate for all. Our systems aren’t trusted to improve people’s lives. 

At Demos we believe that there is a better way: one which puts people first to achieve fundamental and lasting change and overcome divisions. We call this collaborative democracy.  As a genuinely cross-party think tank, we work with all parties and none to find solutions that work for more people. 

Only by listening to people and building consensus can you find the ideas which will stand the test of time. We do this by applying the most innovative research methods to gather robust data and insights, we convene conversations that are both influential and inclusive, and we develop new ways to put people at the heart of policy making.

Our work focuses on: 

  • Public Service Reform, to liberate citizens and public servants and prevent problems
  • A Citizen Economy, where people, businesses, charities and government work together to achieve good growth
  • More Trustworthy Technology, in which technological progress aligns with the needs and values of citizens
  • A more Collaborative Democracy, in which politicians, experts and citizens partner to tackle the challenges facing our country

Our research, policy and advocacy is based on cutting edge methods and participatory technology which goes further than traditional models of consultation. It seeks to find compromise, rather than stoke disagreement.

Public Service Reform, to liberate citizens and public servants and prevent problems

Public Service Reform, to liberate citizens and public servants and prevent problems

A Citizen Economy, where people, businesses, charities and government work together to achieve good growth

A Citizen Economy, where people, businesses, charities and government work together to achieve good growth

More Trustworthy Technology, in which technological progress aligns with the needs and values of citizens

More Trustworthy Technology, in which technological progress aligns with the needs and values of citizens

A more Collaborative Democracy, in which politicians, experts and citizens partner to tackle the challenges facing our country

A more Collaborative Democracy, in which politicians, experts and citizens partner to tackle the challenges facing our country