Foreword

I am delighted to be supporting the work of the ESRC Connecting Generations programme as Advisory Board Chair. The research undertaken within Connecting Generations is a vital contribution to the evidence base for policy decisions affecting the whole population in the UK.

Connecting Generations research aims to understand intergenerational connectivity in a constantly changing society. There has been much turbulence as we have headed into the 2020s, with a need to work out how to navigate a post-Brexit, post-pandemic society, with pressures from conflict, climate and economic crises. There is now a greater need than ever for intergenerational solidarity, not just to ensure that living generations can thrive in an equitable and fair society, but also to ensure there is security for future generations.

Connecting Generations’ interdisciplinary research provides invaluable information for policymakers and other organisations during these difficult socioeconomic times. In my role as National Statistician, I welcome Connecting Generations members’ continued dedication and application of their extensive expertise in helping shape the future of UK statistics collection and analysis, allowing us to improve the accuracy of our estimations and projections. It is also heartening to see how Connecting Generations is active in training the next generation of researchers.

I am pleased to see the progress that Connecting Generations members have made in the first two years of the research programme and have thoroughly enjoyed reading through the impact highlights within this report. I look forward to seeing how the team continues to develop and contribute to this crucial research agenda.

Professor Sir Ian Diamond

UK National Statistician

Chair,

ESRC Connecting Generations Advisory Board