Building a sustainable future for everyone: The Inclusive Society Hub at DMU
Members of the Inclusive Society Hub in the Institute of Responsible Business and Social Justice at DMU believe that research should not just be about knowledge creation—it should drive real-world change for everyone. Led by research expertise and collaborating directly with United Nations Academic Impact Hub Chair for SDG 11 at DMU, the Hub is dedicated to harnessing the power of social inclusion, fostering community cohesion, and shaping national and global conversations on migration issues, climate justice, impact investment and more. We are proud that this Hub represents a dynamic initiative working at the intersection of research, community action, and policy impact.
A Research-Driven Approach
The Inclusive Society Hub is a space where participatory research meets action. We employ innovative methodologies to engage communities directly in shaping solutions. Our research focuses on critical policy areas such as poverty, community cohesion, migration, and social enterprise, ensuring that those most affected by these issues are at the heart of our work.
Current initiatives include:
- Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs): Developing projects that enhance the wellbeing of communities from the grassroots upwards
- Cultural Access and Leadership: Exploring how cultural institutions can become more inclusive and representative
- Tackling abuse and inequality: Collaborating with public authorities, agencies and NGOs to create fairer work opportunities for everyone and tackling exploitation loopholes.
By bringing together a diverse network of economists, business leaders, finance experts, sociologists, and legal scholars, the Hub fosters interdisciplinary solutions to today’s most pressing social challenges.
Responsible Business and Ethical Innovation
Our work extends beyond research and policy into the heart of industry. We partner closely with businesses to promote responsible business practices, ensuring that ethical standards and social equity underpin supply chains. One of our landmark collaborations has been with Leicester’s textiles industry, where we have helped drive ethical labour standards and technology-driven sustainable growth.
Our expertise spans forensic accounting, human resource management,marketing and consumer research,corporate social responsibility, and tackling industrial corruption. We are committed to shaping new business models that prioritise people and the planet, ensuring that economic growth does not come at the expense of human dignity.
Creating Social Value with Impactful Research
We believe research should be more than academic - it should transform lives. That’s why we work closely with local government, third-sector organisations, and regional networks to translate our research into meaningful action. Our projects include:
- Developing alternative regional intelligence systems to drive informed policymaking.
- Supporting initiatives to tackle low pay and youth unemployment.
- Addressing personal debt and promoting place-based prosperity.
- Contributing to the Leicestershire Civic University Agreement to foster stronger university-community partnerships.
Through these efforts, we ensure that our insights are not just theoretical but have tangible, lasting impacts on individuals, communities, and businesses alike.
Leadership for an Inclusive Society
With 29 dedicated members, the Hub is driven by core values that shape our mission:
- Empowerment: Encouraging expansive thinking and decisive action to create real change.
- Equity: Ensuring that all voices, particularly marginalised ones, are heard and valued in decision-making.
- Sustainability: Promoting practices that support long-term social and economic well-being.
- Collaboration: Building partnerships across disciplines and sectors to amplify impact.
Join Us in Driving Change
The Hub is led by Dr Mark Charlton and Ms. Nichola Phillips who invite researchers, policymakers, community leaders and business professionals to be part of the Social the Inclusive Society mission to create a more equitable and sustainable future for all. To learn more, collaborate, or get involved, visit DMU’s Inclusive Society Hub and join us in making a difference contact Dr Mark Charlton via mcharlton@dmu.ac.uk