Our people

Alice Bell

Senior Researcher

Alice joined The Young Foundation in 2020, having previously gained experience as a Government Social Research intern. She is enthusiastic about exploring innovative and inclusive methods to involve diverse communities in impactful research.

Alice Lemkes

Civic Scholar

Alice studies multiple disadvantage and is interested in critical, participatory, transformative research approaches, as an ESRC-funded PhD scholar at Leeds University.

Alison Macklin

Community Advisory Board

Alison uses her skills and knowledge to represent the rural communities she’s connected to, sharing their insights and concerns with those holding influence to make significant change. 

Andrea Kemp

Community Advisory Board

Andrea is keen to connect with people and help influence policymakers and commissioners to invest in and understand what really matters to people for the long term.

Anna Hope

Civic Scholar

Based at the University of the West of England, Anna’s PhD research explores and reinterprets the concepts of ‘community’ and ‘benefit’ within the context of community-led housing.

Baldev Singh Bains

Community Advisory Board

Supporting places of Sikh worship develop better governance structures and approaches to serving others, Baldev seeks to bring social change to convey the message that we all are global citizens living together on planet earth.

Carina Skropke

Civic Scholar

Carina is researching the renaissance in community ownership of physical assets. She is interested in social transformation, transition processes, and alternative approaches to urgent social challenges.

Catherine Cartwright

Civic Scholar

A participatory artist and printmaker researching trauma-sensitive arts practice, Catherine is undertaking her PhD working with research partner Devon Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Services, and using printmaking and artist books as creative methods.

Emily Morrison

Interim Director of Institute for Community Studies, Director of Sustainability and Just Transition

Emily joined us from the British Council, where she developed the global research portfolio. She has led and conducted a broad range of international research projects, and previously held positions at University College London and King’s College London. Emily has a long-standing interest in participatory and creative research approaches.

Esmee Wilcox

Community Advisory Board

Esmee works in strategic innovation within social purpose organisations. She has her own company – Socially Adept – and previously spent 11 years leading complex change initiatives within the public sector, working with charities and social enterprises. She’s also worked across central government, including on the 2005 cross-government disability strategy. 

Gabby Keating

Civic Scholar

Gabby is a PhD student researching into the impact of crisis on educational transition in Bradford. Using interdisciplinary research, Gabby is interested in applying sociological and psychological theory to student experience in order to understand the long term impact of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Gabriel Vivas-Martinez

Civic Scholar

Gabriel is an actor, social theatre facilitator, and researcher. Having worked extensively in The Netherlands, Italy, China, Hungary, Poland, South Africa, and the UK, Gabriel is engaged in educational programmes for the European Commission.