Press Story

IPPR has today announced the advisory council for its landmark programme of research aimed at improving the lives of young people.

Chaired by Sam Freedman, the State of a Generation advisory council brings together leaders from politics, local government, academia, business and organisations working with and for young people.

The State of a Generation programme will explore what it means to come of age in England following a digital childhood, the pandemic and the erosion of many of the services and spaces that once supported the journey to adulthood.

Members of the advisory council will challenge and strengthen IPPR’s research and help develop a bold new settlement for young people spanning education, work, housing, health and wider society.

The Advisory Council members are:

Sam Freedman, former senior adviser at the Department for Education
Sarah Smith MP, PPS to the education secretary
Munira Wilson MP, Liberal Democrat spokesperson for education
Carey Oppenheim, Strategic Project Lead at the Nuffield Foundation
Donna Molloy OBE, Deputy Chief Executive of Foundations
Professor John Jerrim, Professor of Education and Social Statistics, University of London Institute of Education
Kate Josephs CB, chief executive of Sheffield City Council
Andrew Moys, Vice President, Impact at McDonald’s
Lib Peck, Director of the Mayor of London’s Violence Reduction Unit
Ruth Marvel OBE, Chief Executive of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
Sarah Yong, Deputy CEO of Youth Futures Foundation

The programme will be publishing its first interim report in early September 2026 before its final report in 2027.

Sam Freedman, chair of IPPR’s State of a Generation Council, said:

“There’s a lot of ill-informed speculation about why so many young people struggle with mental health issues or fail to get a job. The aim of the State of a Generation programme is to look at what we actually know so we can make the right diagnosis and identify solutions to a critical challenge for our future. I'm proud to chair this advisory council and help shape a new settlement for the next generation.”

Andrew Moys, Vice President of Impact at McDonald's UK, said:

"I am delighted to join IPPR's State of a Generation advisory council. The State of a Generation will help shine a light on both the opportunities and challenges facing young people across the UK and provide the detailed evidence to inform action.

"At McDonald's, as one of the UK's largest employers of young people, we believe business has a responsibility to be part of the solution and help create pathways into work and opportunity. Through our restaurants and work experience programme, we see the difference that a first opportunity in the workplace can make in helping young people build confidence, develop skills and fulfil their potential.

"I look forward to working with fellow advisory council members as the research progresses, helping to identify how society and business can support the next generation and ensure every young person has access to the opportunities they need to thrive."

Sarah Yong, Deputy CEO at Youth Futures Foundation

"Many of today's young people are having to navigate complex challenges affecting their wellbeing and their future outcomes including barriers to being in good work. Building a greater understanding of the picture and how to respond meaningfully is essential, which is why I am pleased to be part of IPPR's State of a Generation Advisory Council.

"As the national what works centre for youth employment, Youth Futures Foundation looks forward to supporting this research programme through contributing high-quality evidence and helping to ensure the work is informed by the lived experience of young people."

ENDS

CONTACT

Liam Evans, head of news and media: 07419 365 334 l.evans@ippr.org

NOTES TO EDITORS

IPPR (the Institute for Public Policy Research) is the UK’s most influential think tank, with alumni in Downing Street, the cabinet and parliament. We are the practical ideas factory behind many of the current government’s flagship policies, including changes to fiscal rules, the creation of a National Wealth Fund, GB Energy, devolution, and reforms to the NHS. As an independent charity working towards a fairer, greener, and more prosperous society, we have spent almost 40 years creating tangible progressive change - turning bold ideas into common sense realities. www.ippr.org