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Our aims

Vision

The Institute of Community Cohesion works to build a more cohesive society.

We believe that:

  • Diversity is good for society - socially, culturally, economically
  • Diverse societies work best when they have a sense of social solidarity and mutual responsibility
  • Every individual will benefit from a richer notion of citizenship and fuller involvement in civil society


We need to develop policy solutions that enable us to live together rather than side by side; that promote greater shared identity; that support new migrants to adapt to life in Britain; that define what it means to be a citizen and instil a greater sense of civic responsibility amongst all those in our society.

Objectives

The Institute of Community Cohesion will:

  • Become a national and international centre of expertise, as a leader in research and policy development for cohesion and integration issues
  • Shape the national debate through the development and delivery of independent research and innovative policy solutions
  • Develop practical solutions affecting community relations, citizenship and cohesion
  • Conduct and commission research analysing current and emerging issues, helping to build the much needed evidence base on what works and why on cohesion
  • Work with public and private sector organisations to test, implement and evaluate policy solutions in order to say with authority 'what works'
  • Engage more actively in combating the activities of extremist groups that impact upon community cohesion
  • Be a source of advice and guidance for public and private sectors on issues of community cohesion and integration
  • Continue to build a database of good practice and action-orientated toolkits and train and develop professionals and practitioners
  • Build capacity at all levels and provide development opportunities, ranging from the training of community leaders to postgraduate research-based programmes
  • Bring together best practice and policy support for dealing with arrival of new migrants, population change and �churn'
  • Promote informed debate rather than advance a political agenda

Strategy

iCoCo will look to achieve its objectives through a number of routes:

  • Producing high-quality, rigorous research and policy analysis
  • Offering innovative and tested techniques to break down barriers between communities, to build trust and understanding and to improve integration and cohesion
  • Being a key partner for governmental and statutory bodies in the field, adding value to their work
  • Using its expertise and experience to build networks of those involved in the world of integration and facilitate discussion and debate
  • Providing practical support to help agencies develop strategies and action plans
  • Providing training and professional development at all levels
  • Having a strong public affairs function to ensure that it is a visible and significant player in the public debate