New Kerslake Fellowship launched to drive action on housing and homelessness

We brought partners and colleagues together last week to mark the launch of the Kerslake Fellowship, a new two-year research role focused on social housing and homelessness. 

Published: 02/04/2026

The fellowship has been set up in memory of our late Chair Lord Bob Kerslake. It is a joint initiative between us, St Mungo’s and the New Economics Foundation (NEF), where the role will be based.

The Kerslake Fellow, Grace Brown, will focus on developing practical ideas that can help shape national policy and improve access to genuinely affordable, secure homes.

The launch event brought together people from across government and the housing and homelessness sectors. Housing Secretary Steve Reed MP gave a short speech. 

Caroline Corby, Chair of Peabody, spoke about the purpose of the fellowship and the need for practical, delivery-focused ideas to help tackle the housing and homelessness challenges facing the country. She reflected on Lord Kerslake’s approach, which brought together national policy and frontline experience, and said the fellowship would continue that legacy by focusing on solutions that can make a real difference.

The fellowship reflects a shared commitment between us, St Mungo’s and NEF to tackle these challenges together. It will draw on frontline experience from housing and homelessness services, alongside research and analysis, to build a stronger case for change.

We will share more about the fellowship’s work as it develops.