Coram Institute for Children

Turning insight into impact
The Coram Institute for Children will be the UK’s very first 'think and do' centre dedicated to advancing the life chances of children and young people, both at home and internationally, and committed to turning insight into impact in both policy and practice.

Coram’s vision for children is a society where every child has the best possible chance in life, regardless of their background or circumstances. Building on our legacy as the first and longest continuing children charity, the Coram Institute for Children will be instrumental in realising this vision by acting as a catalyst for change and collaboration, seeking evidence-based solutions to the challenges facing children in the 21st century in policy, law and practice.

About our research

Coram has a lengthy track record of delivering research, with two established research teams: Coram Research, Impact and Evaluation, who for more than 15 years have partnered with national and local government, the NHS, think tanks and other third sector organisations to deliver large evaluations of significant policies and programmes; and Coram International, which has worked in almost 100 countries, promoting and improving children’s rights through policy and practice reform.

Participatory research with children and young people to ensure their voices are heard is at the heart of our research, and we use a variety of methods to ensure their voices are included.

In November 2025 we were awarded independent research organisation (IRO) status by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), so that we are now eligible to bid directly for research grant funding from the seven research councils of the United Kingdom.

UK Research, Impact and Evaluation

Coram Research, Impact and Evaluation has been working for over 15 years with government departments including the Department for Education and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, What Works Centres (such as Foundations and the Youth Endowment Fund), local authorities, the NHS and other third sector organisations to deliver large evaluations of significant policies and programmes.

Meet the team

Max Stanford, BA PGiP, MPhil
Hannah Lawrence, BA, MSc
Emily Blackshaw, BSc, PhD
Katharine Stockland, MA, MPhil, PhD
Sam Shorto, BSc, MA, MSc, PhD,
Narendra Bhalla, BSc, MSc
Richard Ollerearnshaw, BA, PGCE, MA
Mia Johnson Hall, BA, MRes (in progress)
Mariya Sethwala, BA, MSc
Greg King, BA
Elizabeth Raws, BA, MSc
Daniel Stern, BEng, MSc, PhD
Amaka Udeagbaja, BA
Eren Ince, MA

Coram International

Coram International is led by Professor Dame Carolyn Hamilton and has over 25 years’ experience of research across the globe, specialising in child protection, child justice and education. The primary purpose of Coram International’s research is to inform and influence policy, legislation, programmes and child rights participation. It has completed research in 94 countries.

Meet the team

Professor Dame Carolyn Hamilton, LLB, Barrister-at-Law, DBE
Dr Amelia Smith, PHD
Awaz Raoof, LLB, PGDip, LLM
Farah Elhouni, LLB, LLM, MA (in progress)
Freya Allery, MEng, MA PhD (in progress)
Jen Joy, MA, MSc
Kara Apland, BA, MSc, DPhil (in progress)
Kirsten Anderson, LLB, BA, LLM
Madison Charlton, BA, MSc, GMBPsS,
Mathilde Guntzberger, BA, MA, PGDip
Rebecca Sykes, BA, MA
Sihana Bina, BS, MA

Areas of research

Children and young people’s early intervention, support and childcare

Focusing on childcare and early education before formal schooling; early intervention and help for all children before involvement by statutory services.

Children and young people’s educational enrichment, oracy, creative learning and emotional wellbeing

Measures of wellbeing, socio-emotional education, and creative programmes.

Children and young people who are at risk of entering care or care experienced

Those who are adopted, in foster care, residential care and in kinship care, as well as care leavers addressing practice, policy and systems change now and through time.

Children and young people who are at risk of or experience exclusion

School exclusion, homelessness and marginalisation from parts of society due to poverty, youth violence and exploitation, race, and immigration status or nationality.

Children’s rights and access to justice

Child rights frameworks as well as criminal, civil, administrative justice, with a focus on immigration, child protection and youth justice systems.

Young people’s voice in research

At the heart of our research strategy is participatory research with children using a variety of methods to ensure the inclusion of the child’s voice. We will also develop opportunities for youth peer researchers and early career researchers to develop skills and conduct relevant, impactful research.

Postgraduate youth insight researchers help to shape the research programme by initiating and delivering their own insight project which is showcased with an annual Future of Youth forum alongside established academics and practitioners.

Explore our research

Download our prospectus to read more about our latest research.

Download Prospectus

Policy and practice

Coram’s policy expertise spans all areas of children’s lives. We engage with government, MPs, local authorities, social workers, teachers, carers and families – all those in a position to make a difference and deliver better practice, systems and laws. Visit our policy page to find out more.

Download our prospectus

To find out more about our impact, including our innovation in practice download our prospectus.

View an embedded flipbook of our Institute Prospectus below. You can also download a PDF copy here.

“I believe the Coram Institute is uniquely able to bring together those who can make a difference in children’s lives today and set a new agenda for the children of tomorrow.”

Professor Sir Al Aynsley-Green Kt

First Children’s Commissioner for England

“I look forward to supporting the Coram Institute to help society and colleagues across Parliament gain a greater understanding of the needs and aspirations of all of our nation’s amazing children.”

Baroness Floella Benjamin DBE

DL pioneering children’s broadcaster and parliamentarian

“The constant supply of ideas, insights and thoughtful expertise provided by Coram, often derived from children and families themselves, is worth its weight in gold.”

Isabelle Trowler

Chief Social Worker for Children and Families

The Coram Institute for Children works collaboratively with the following partners

Coram Institute partners: Pears Foundation, The Churchill Fellowship. Foundations, Paul Hamlyn Foundation, UCL, Thomas Coram Research Unit (TCRU), The Hadley Trust, Newcastle University and City St George's (University of London)

Get in touch

We collaborate with professionals, government, schools, universities, families and all those who share our commitment to making life better for future generations. Our core team will create opportunities for leaders across the children’s social care sector to engage in a national conversation – alongside industry, social change-makers, and young people themselves. It will also formulate policy recommendations.

For more information about the Coram Institute, please get in touch with the team using the button below.