About the Bridge Group

We are an independent research charity promoting socio-economic inclusion through evidence, insight and collaboration.

We work with organisations across sectors, asking the right questions, uncovering what works, and turning data-led insights into meaningful change. 

Our vision is an education system and a labour market where background is no barrier – and everyone, wherever they started in life, has the chance to realise their potential.

Learn more about our charitable status and read about us on the Charity Commission’s website.

What defines the Bridge Group

Experts in socio-economic inclusion

Creating impact is at the heart of everything we do. From pioneering research to designing practical solutions, we work with partners and policy makers to deliver change.

Robust, independent insight

Our evidence is rooted in rigorous quantitative and qualitative research. We inform the national conversation and support organisations in finding and nurturing talent, regardless of background.

A strategic convenor and partner

We bring organisations together and facilitate collaboration to break down barriers to opportunity, helping partners turn ambition into measurable progress.

Our expertise

Our research is grounded in reality; we frame research questions to be relevant and produce practicable recommendations that achieve change.

We are experts in gathering, analysing and interpreting data. This includes quantitative data from large national sets and the organisations we work with, and qualitative data from interviews and focus groups. The collected data is always processed securely, accurately, and in accordance with data protection principles. 

Our research, advice and recommendations are responsive to context. We understand operational settings and national policy drivers and draw on specialist knowledge from our network of Fellows and other experts who contribute to our work.

Why our work is necessary

The link between background and educational and employment outcomes is stronger in the United Kingdom than in other developed countries. It divides our society and hinders our creative and economic productivity.

Social mobility is at its worst in more than 50 years: We see decreasing upward income mobility and worsening housing mobility (Social Mobility Commission, State of the Nation, 2025). And in the largest study of its kind globally, our own research for Progress Together (2025) revealed that in financial services, men from higher socio-economic backgrounds were 3.4 times more likely to reach senior roles than women from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

This is hurting our economy, organisations and individual livelihoods.

Find out more about why our work is necessary.

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