What Works Centre for Wellbeing, which has been a “champion of wellbeing evidence and practice” helping charities, will close on 30 April 2024.
The UK’s national body for wellbeing evidence was founded in 2014 as part of the What Works Network.
A statement from the organisation reads: “Based on the learning the centre convenes, recognition of the importance of wellbeing in all its aspects is now much more widespread from policy makers and civil society to businesses and organisations.
“This breadth of remit, however, has made it challenging to find a focal point for investment and support of the centre on a sustainable basis.”
The centre’s work includes informing the UK’s National Wellbeing Framework, positioning wellbeing as a key part of the UK governments’ Levelling Up framework.
The centre has also worked on the value of volunteering for individuals and the nation, how places and spaces can be designed and managed to maximise wellbeing and tackle loneliness and how to use wellbeing evidence and data effectively in local areas.
Nancy Hey, executive director of What Works Wellbeing, said the organisation has always depended on core funding, alongside project-specific funds to deliver its mission.
“Following the reduction and subsequent conclusion of our original multi-year grants, we have been unable to secure an alternative partnership to sustain us long-term, despite our extensive efforts,” Hey said.
The community interest company's latest accounts show the average number of employees in the year until 31 March 2022 was 14 and turnover was just under £900,000, compared with £1.07m the year prior.
Necessity of closure
Chair Peter Cheese said: “We recognise that we are neither the first nor, sadly, the last purpose-led organisation that faces the necessity of closure this year.
“During these times of uncertainty and rapid change, there continues to be a vital need for good-quality evidence to drive decision-making at national policy levels, across civil society, and to ensure wellbeing is at the heart of how we shape working practices and cultures in organisations everywhere.”
In a joint statement, Baroness Morgan of Cotes, Baroness Tyler of Enfield, Lord Layard and Lord O’Donnell said “we are deeply disappointed and frustrated by the lack of appetite from funders to secure its future”.
“What Works Wellbeing is a powerful convener, translator and champion of wellbeing evidence and practice, helping government, councils, health and wellbeing boards, charities and businesses make decisions on what really matters for the wellbeing of people, communities and the nation as a whole.
“Without it, there is no central place that holds and mobilises this essential knowledge. The centre’s planned closure is a huge loss for the wellbeing mission, one which will be sharply felt. It’s imperative that its legacy be preserved.”
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