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COMPASSION
IN
POLITICS

Changing Politics for Good

Compassion in Politics is a cross-party think tank working to change politics for good — defending and reforming democracy and putting compassion, cooperation and inclusion at the heart of politics globally.

"The movement to be most hopeful for"— The Guardian
Sign Up for UpdatesBecome a MemberDonate →
200k+
Campaign backers
100+
MPs & Lords
50+
Partner orgs
— or —
Become a Member from £4/month →
⚠️ LIVE CAMPAIGN — Make Big Tech Pay: 20,000+ people have already signed. Add your name now.
Sign the petition →
Our credentials & standing
Welsh Parliament

Stop the Lies legislation — Welsh Government committed to introducing our ground-breaking political deception law in 2024

House of Commons

Modernisation Committee — our evidence on parliamentary reform is currently before the House of Commons Modernisation Committee

Stanford University

CCARE partnership — Jennifer Nadel is Director of Compassionate Politics at the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education

Westminster

APPG Secretariat — we provide the secretariat for the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Compassionate Politics, engaging 100+ MPs and Lords

In print & on air
BBC Radio 4
Broken Politicians,
Broken Politics
Documentary
Routledge
How Compassion Can Transform Our Politics
Edited by Nadel & Hawkins
HarperCollins
WE: A Manifesto for Women Everywhere
Sunday Times Bestseller
Charter for Compassion
With Compassion Podcast
Global podcast series
Welsh Parliament
Stop the Lies legislation
Informed by our campaign
Stanford University
CCARE partnership
Compassion research
Our Impact

What we have achieved

From Westminster to the Welsh Parliament — real change, delivered.

01 — Stop the Lies

Driving political accountability

Over 200,000 people backed our campaign to make lying in politics a criminal offence. Now influencing legislation in the Welsh Parliament.

02 — Westminster

Influencing Westminster culture

Secretariat for the APPG on Compassionate Politics, actively engaging 100+ MPs and Lords.

03 — Parliament

Modernising parliament

Our landmark Reset report with 50:50 Parliament is now before the House of Commons Modernisation Committee.

04 — Civility

National civility movement

Our Civility Pledge, developed with the Jo Cox Foundation, has been signed by politicians across all major parties.

05 — Media

Elevating the conversation

Featured on BBC, Channel 4, The Guardian, Sky News and The Rest is Politics — reaching hundreds of thousands.

06 — Training

Training ethical leaders

CPD accredited. Trained leaders at the UN in New York and Bangkok, and women politicians in the Balkans.

Our Work

How we are changing politics

Eight areas of work, one goal: politics that works for everyone.

🏛

Reforming politics

Modernising parliament and shifting political culture to reduce conflict, rebuild trust and deliver a system fit for the 21st Century.

📋

Informing policy

Developing evidence for policies that uphold the wellbeing and rights of every person.

🏛

Respectful Parliament Programme

An evidence-based initiative to restore the functional integrity of legislatures globally.

Find out more →
🛡

Defending democracy

Ground-breaking legislation to prohibit political deception, enable MPs to job share, and strengthen public accountability.

Our legislation →
🤝

In parliament

Working cross-party with MPs and Peers — providing evidence, drafting legislation and organising roundtables.

🎓

Training

Our CPD accredited Compassion Academy provides leadership and resilience training globally, including at the UN.

Find out more →
🌍

Advocacy

Speaking at parliaments, universities and conferences globally to promote compassionate political reform.

🏘

Compassionate communities

Supporting towns and cities to build resilience against far-right ideologies through connection and compassion.

Find out more →
Our Purpose

Vision, mission & goals

Our vision

A world where politics puts compassion at its core — creating societies that are fair, just, inclusive, and resilient.

Our mission

To embed compassion in the structures, language, and outcomes of political life. We work to protect democracy and to uphold the wellbeing and rights of every person.

Our theory of change

We raise awareness, build capacity and drive action — working at every level from individual leadership to systemic and institutional change. Our goal is to make compassionate politics the norm, not the exception.

Our goals

1

Rebuild trust in politics — advocating for reforms that make politics more honest, accountable, and representative.

2

Protect democracy from the far right — confronting disinformation and hate with evidence-based narratives and legislative action.

3

Uphold the wellbeing and rights of every person — ensuring compassionate, evidence-based policy that meets every person's economic, social and psychological needs.

4

Transform political culture — promoting leadership grounded in empathy, truth, and human dignity.

5

Inspire a new generation of leaders — training and elevating voices committed to ethical, emotionally intelligent politics.

🌏 Now Live

Compassion in Politics — Australia

Launched April 2025 as part of our growing cross-party movement worldwide.

"At this dangerous moment in history, compassion is needed at the heart of politics more than ever. We must both defend democracy and reform it."— Jennifer Nadel, Co-Founder & CEO
Our Network

Partners & supporters

38 Degrees50:50 ParliamentAmnesty InternationalCharter for CompassionJo Cox FoundationElectoral Reform SocietyHope not HateFawcett SocietyNew Economics FoundationCompassionate Cities UKUnlock DemocracyBest for Britain+ 30 more

View full partners & supporters list →

Our Supporters

Backed by inspiring people

His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Gillian Anderson
Prof. A.C. Grayling
Baroness Helena Kennedy KC
Cerys Matthews
Polly Toynbee
Prof. Paul Gilbert
Prof. Peter Singer
Ruby Wax
Deeyah Khan
Francesca Martinez
Laurie Penny
Prof. Danny Dorling
Dr. Kristin Neff
Jackie Weaver
Helen Pankhurst
Charter for Compassion · Global Podcast

Listen to the global podcast

With Compassion — the global podcast series presented by our CEO Jennifer Nadel for our US partner the Charter for Compassion. New episodes every two weeks, featuring visionary voices from around the world.

21 episodes

Featuring Sophie Howe (Wales Future Generations Commissioner), Professor Paul Gilbert, Dr Julian Abel and leading voices from around the world.

Take action today

Several ways to get involved in the movement for compassionate politics.

Stay informed
Sign Up
Free updates
Join us
Become a Member
From £4/month
Support our work
Donate
One-time or recurring
For politicians
Civility Pledge
Add your name
Get Involved

Take Action

From signing a petition to joining a coalition — here are the most important actions you can take right now to support compassionate politics.

Live now  ·  20,000+ signatures

Sign the Make Big Tech Pay petition

Call on the Prime Minister to introduce emergency legislation making social media platforms legally responsible for the harm they cause.

Coalition  ·  For organisations

Join the Women's Democracy Group

A coalition of organisations working to ensure women's issues are at the top of the political agenda and that parliament is safe and accessible for women.

In progress  ·  200,000+ backers

Back Stop the Lies

Support our campaign to make lying in politics a criminal offence — already influencing legislation in the Welsh Parliament.

For politicians

Sign the Civility Pledge

Commit to respectful political engagement. Developed with the Jo Cox Foundation and signed by politicians across all major parties.

Support our work

Become a member or donate

Join over 4,000 members supporting our campaigns, research and advocacy. From £4/month or make a one-off donation.

Get involved →
⚠️ Live Campaign

Make
Big Tech
Pay

Tech billionaires shouldn't get to hide behind a legal loophole while their algorithms push dangerous content for profit. We are calling for emergency legislation to make social media and AI platforms legally and financially responsible for the harm they cause.

20,000+
Signatures and counting
20,000 signed — help us reach 50,000 and force the PM to act.
Why this matters

The loophole that lets Big Tech off the hook

Social media and AI platforms shape what millions of people see, believe, fear and share. They curate, recommend, amplify, target and profit from content every minute of every day.

Yet in law they are not treated as publishers nor held properly responsible for the foreseeable harms they cause. This is a legal loophole that allows them to claim they are merely neutral hosts — escaping proper responsibility for the harm they design, push and create.

Piecemeal regulation cannot keep pace with AI, disinformation, abuse and algorithmic amplification. We cannot keep playing whack-a-mole with individual harms while the platform business model remains untouched.

No company should be allowed to publish, promote or profit from harm and then deny responsibility for it — leaving citizens and democracy to foot the bill.

Our demand

Emergency legislation now

We are calling on the Prime Minister to introduce emergency legislation to make social media and AI platforms legally responsible where they publish, promote, recommend, amplify or profit from harmful content and harmful systems.

Children's mental health

Algorithmic amplification of harmful content is driving a crisis in young people's mental health. Voluntary measures have failed.

Women's safety

Platforms profit from the spread of misogynistic content that normalises abuse and violence against women.

Democracy itself

Disinformation and algorithmic rage-farming are undermining public trust, fuelling extremism and corroding democratic discourse.

The Letter to the Prime Minister

Read the open letter

Signed by MPs, Lords, civil society leaders and academics — delivered to 10 Downing Street.

Dear Prime Minister,

Recent events have shown how quickly online anger can be turned into real-world intimidation, abuse and crime. This cannot be left any longer. We are not powerless. There is a simple legal measure your government could take that would dramatically shift the balance of power and reduce the harm these platforms are able to cause.

Social media and AI platforms shape what millions of people see, believe, fear and share. They curate, recommend, amplify, target and profit from content every minute of every day.

Yet in law they are not treated as publishers nor held properly responsible for the foreseeable harms they cause. This is a legal loophole that allows them to claim they are merely neutral hosts, escaping proper responsibility for the harm they design, push and create.

There is an immediate step your Government can take: close this loophole.

We are calling on you to introduce emergency legislation to make social media and AI platforms legally responsible where they publish, promote, recommend, amplify or profit from harmful content and harmful systems.

Regardless of action on age restrictions for children, the problem goes far wider. The threat is wider: to children's mental health, women's safety, social cohesion, public trust and democracy itself.

Piecemeal regulation cannot keep pace with AI, disinformation, abuse and algorithmic amplification. We cannot keep playing whack-a-mole with individual harms while the platform business model remains untouched.

No company should be allowed to publish, promote or profit from harm and then deny responsibility for it leaving citizens and democracy to foot the bill.

We urge you to implement this simple measure now.

Yours sincerely,

45 Signatories

Who has signed

MPs, Lords, civil society leaders and academics united behind this call for action.

MP House of Lords Civil society Academic
Luke Myer
MP
Ian Byrne
MP
Clive Lewis
MP
Dawn Butler
MP
John McDonnell
MP
Neil Duncan Jordan
MP
Ellie Chowns
MP
Sian Berry
MP
Hannah Spencer
MP
Carla Denyer
MP
Adam Ramsay
MP
Baroness Lister
House of Lords
Baroness Jenny Jones
House of Lords
The Rt Hon Lord Kinnock
Former Leader of the Labour Party
Caroline Lucas
Former Leader of the Green Party
Jamie Driscoll
Green Party Councillor
Jennifer Nadel
CEO, Compassion in Politics
Tom Brake
CEO, Unlock Democracy
Kyle Taylor
Founder & Director, Fair Vote UK
Lena Swedlow
Director, Compass
Wendy Via
CEO, Global Project Against Hate and Extremism
Peter Jukes
Executive Editor, Byline Times
Jonathon Porritt CBE
Writer & Campaigner
Tom de Grunwald
Founder & Director, Forward Democracy
James Southern
CEO, Field Level Tech Ltd
Hannah Stevens
CEO, Elect Her
Paris Mia Habib
Youth Voice Advocate
Pragna Patel
Founder, Project Resist
Rupert Read
Climate Majority Project
Jessica Townsend
Founder, MP Watch
Becky Snowden
Director, Tactical Vote Ltd
Tom Burgess
CEO, Taxpayers Against Poverty
Margaret Clark FCMI
Trustee, Widows Rights International
Liz Smith
Director, Page75 Productions Ltd
Krish Kandiah
CEO, Sanctuary Foundation
Annette Lawson OBE
Ambassador, NAWO; Ambassador, Rene Cassin
Panayote Dimitras
Greek Helsinki Monitor
Professor Kate Pickett
University of York
Professor Mike Berners Lee
Author, A Climate of Truth
Professor Diane Reay
University of Cambridge
Professor Paul Gilbert
Compassionate Mind Foundation
Professor Matthew Johnson
Chair, Common Sense Policy Group, Northumbria University
Dr Simon Duffy
Director, Citizen's Network
Dr Howard Reed
Democracy Collective

Add your voice to theirs

20,000+ people have already signed the petition. Help us reach 50,000 and force the PM to act.

Campaign

Stop the Lies

Over 200,000 people have backed our campaign to make lying in politics a criminal offence. The Welsh Government has committed to introducing this landmark law.

The campaign

Making deception by politicians a criminal offence

Politicians and candidates who deliberately deceive voters should not be allowed to take or hold office. Democracy depends on truth — and right now there is no effective law to stop those who deliberately lie their way to power.

Our Stop the Lies campaign has gathered over 200,000 signatures and is now influencing legislation. In 2024, the Welsh Government committed to introducing a law based on our proposals — a landmark moment for truth in public life.

We continue to push for equivalent legislation across the UK and beyond, working with MPs, Lords and civil society organisations to make political honesty a legal requirement.

200,000+
People have backed this campaign
2024
Welsh Government commits to introducing the law
House of Commons
Modernisation Committee currently considering our evidence

Support this campaign

Sign up for updates and help us push for this vital legislation across the UK.

Take Action

Our Campaigns

Turning outrage into organised action — campaigns that are changing politics for good.

⚠️ Live Now20,000+ signatures

Make Big Tech Pay

We are calling for emergency legislation to make social media and AI platforms legally and financially responsible for the harm they cause. Over 45 MPs, Lords, civil society leaders and academics have signed our letter to the Prime Minister.

In Progress200,000+ backers

Stop the Lies

Making lying in politics a criminal offence. Over 200,000 signatures and the Welsh Government committed to introducing legislation in 2024.

Get Involved

Support our work

Everything we do depends on the support of people who believe in a better politics. Find the right way to get involved.

Choose how to support us

All payments are processed securely. Existing recurring donors continue via NationBuilder.

You can also support us by volunteering, partnering with us, or spreading the word. Get in touch at info@compassioninpolitics.com

Our Network

Partners & Supporters

We are proud to collaborate with 50+ organisations and to be backed by an extraordinary community of public figures, academics and changemakers.

Our Partners

50+ organisations we work with

Together, we form a powerful coalition for ethical governance, political accountability, and democratic renewal.

38 Degrees50:50 ParliamentAmnesty InternationalAnthropyBetter Politics FoundationBest for BritainCatalyst NetworkCenter for Compassionate LeadershipCCARE at Stanford UniversityCharter for CompassionCommonwealth Parliamentary AssociationCompassCompassionate Cities UKCompassionate Mind FoundationCOSLADemocracy NetworkElectoral Reform SocietyEquality TrustFabian Women's NetworkFairness FoundationFawcett SocietyHope not HateLocal Government AssociationLiving Room ConversationsMake Votes MatterMy Vote My SayNew Economics FoundationOpiniumOperation Black VotePolitical Tech SummitQuakers in BritainRadix Big TentBritish Red CrossRefugee CouncilReform Political AdvertisingSalvation ArmySanctuary FoundationSouthall Black SistersThe Jo Cox FoundationUCL Constitution UnitUnlock DemocracyWestminster Democracy FoundationWestminster Wellness GroupWomen's Climate Congress
Our Supporters

Backed by inspiring people

Public figures, academics and cultural changemakers who stand with our movement.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama
Global spiritual leader and advocate for compassion
Gillian Anderson
Actor and Women's Rights Advocate
Professor A.C. Grayling
Philosopher and Master of New College of the Humanities
Baroness Helena Kennedy KC
Human Rights Lawyer
Cerys Matthews
Musician and broadcaster
Darren McGarvey (Loki)
Scottish rapper and social commentator
Deeyah Khan
Award-winning filmmaker and activist
Dr. David Hamilton
Author and kindness advocate
Dr. Kristin Neff
Self-compassion researcher, University of Texas
Dr. Phil Hammond
Medical doctor, comedian and broadcaster
Frances Ryan
Journalist and disability rights advocate
Francesca Martinez
Comedian and activist
Helen Pankhurst
Women's rights activist
Jackie Weaver
Local government champion
Jamie Bamber
Actor
Laurie Penny
Writer and journalist
Polly Toynbee
Journalist and columnist
Professor Danny Dorling
Oxford University
Professor Paul Gilbert
Founder of the Compassionate Mind Foundation
Professor Peter Singer
Philosopher and bioethics scholar, Princeton
Professor Rainbow Murray
Politics scholar, QMUL
Professor Alice Roberts
Professor of Public Engagement in Science, University of Birmingham
Ruby Wax
Comedian and mental health advocate
Rt Rev Paul Butler
Member of the House of Lords
Susie Hills
Co-founder of KindFest
Pragna Patel
Director, Southall Black Sisters
What We Do

Our Work

Eight areas of work, one shared goal — a politics that works for the common good.

🏛

Reforming politics

Modernising parliament and shifting political culture to reduce conflict, rebuild trust and deliver a system fit for the 21st Century.

📋

Informing policy

Developing evidence for policies that uphold the wellbeing and rights of every person — protecting the most vulnerable and reducing inequity.

🏛

Respectful Parliament Programme

An evidence-based initiative to restore the functional integrity of legislatures globally through psychologically-informed, systemic reform.

Find out more →
🛡

Defending democracy & our legislation

Ground-breaking legislation to prohibit political deception, enable MPs to job share, and strengthen public accountability.

Our legislation →
🤝

In parliament

Working cross-party with MPs and Peers, providing evidence to committees, drafting legislation and organising roundtables.

🎓

Training

Our CPD accredited Compassion Academy provides leadership and resilience training globally, including at Westminster and the UN.

🌍

Advocacy

Speaking at parliaments, universities, conferences and in the media globally to promote compassionate political reform.

🏘

Compassionate communities

Supporting towns and cities to tackle loneliness and create connection — building resilience against far-right ideologies.

All-Party Parliamentary Group

The Better Politics APPG

Compassion in Politics has provided the secretariat for an All-Party Parliamentary Group bringing together MPs across party lines to put compassion at the heart of practice and policy in politics. This year it relaunches as the Better Politics APPG — focused on improving how politics is done so that better outcomes for all become possible.

Kim Leadbeater MP, Jennifer Nadel and the Speaker of the House at the Civility Pledge launch
About the APPG

A cross-party group for better politics

The Better Politics APPG is chaired by Kim Leadbeater MP, one of Parliament's most respected voices for a kinder, more compassionate politics. Bringing together 61+ MPs and Peers from across the political spectrum, the group exists to change how politics is done — making it more cooperative, more honest and more focused on outcomes that serve everyone.

Compassion in Politics provides the secretariat — coordinating the group's work, organising events and producing research that supports the APPG's goals.

Tim Moxham leads CIP's engagement with the APPG. To find out more or to express interest in joining, email tim.moxham@compassioninpolitics.com

Officers
👤

Kim Leadbeater MP

Chair · Labour

👤

George Freeman MP

Officer · Conservative

👤

Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb

Officer · Green Party

👤

Baroness Lister of Burtersett

Officer · Labour

Secretariat

Compassion in Politics provides the secretariat for the Better Politics APPG. Our APPG Lead Tim Moxham coordinates the group's parliamentary engagement, events and research.

tim.moxham@compassioninpolitics.com
Purpose & Goals

What we are working to achieve

Reform Political Culture

Modernise parliamentary systems and political processes to make them more cooperative, inclusive and honest.

Reduce Division

Build public trust and bridge political divides through constructive, evidence-based dialogue across party lines.

Prioritise Wellbeing

Support policies that put equity, human dignity and the wellbeing of current and future generations at local, national and international levels.

Members

Parliamentary members

The Better Politics APPG has 61+ members — MPs and Peers from across the political spectrum. Full membership list coming soon.

Are you an MP or Peer interested in joining the Better Politics APPG?

Contact Tim Moxham: tim.moxham@compassioninpolitics.com

Get involved

Whether you are an MP, a Peer, a researcher or an organisation working in this space, we would love to hear from you.

tim.moxham@compassioninpolitics.com
Defending Democracy

Our Legislation

We don't just campaign for change — we draft it. Actively working to embed compassion, honesty and inclusion into the laws that govern our democracy.

Active Legislation

Bills and amendments we are driving

Three pieces of legislation in various stages — all aimed at making democracy more honest, inclusive and accountable.

In Progress — Welsh Parliament committed 2024

Representation of the People Bill — preventing deception by candidates

We have pioneered legislation that would prevent politicians and candidates who deliberately deceive voters from taking office. Over 200,000 people have backed our Stop the Lies campaign. In 2024, the Welsh Government committed to introducing this law — a landmark moment for truth in public life.

Being Introduced

MPs Job Share Bill — enabling flexible working in parliament

We are introducing legislation to enable MPs to job share — a vital reform to make parliament more accessible, diverse and representative. Job sharing would open up political careers to those with caring responsibilities, disabilities or health conditions.

Amendments Being Tabled

Public Accountability Bill — strengthening standards in public life

We are tabling amendments to the Public Accountability Bill to strengthen the mechanisms by which those in public life are held to account — reinforcing the standards of honesty, transparency and integrity that the public has a right to expect.

Why It Matters

Defending democracy through law

Honesty in public life

Deliberate deception by those seeking power is an attack on democracy itself. Voters deserve to make decisions based on truth, not manipulation.

An inclusive parliament

A parliament that excludes people with caring responsibilities, health conditions or disabilities cannot truly represent the country it serves.

Accountability that works

Robust accountability mechanisms are the foundation of public trust. Without them, standards slip and cynicism grows.

Support our legislative work

Our legislative campaigns depend on public support and coalition building.

Compassion in Politics

Our Story & Team

Founded in 2018 in the aftermath of the Brexit referendum, we work to put compassion, cooperation and inclusion at the heart of British politics.

Jennifer Nadel and Matt Hawkins on stage with Leaders Not Liars sign
Our story

Why we exist

Compassion in Politics was founded in 2018 by Jennifer Nadel and Matt Hawkins in the aftermath of the Brexit referendum — a moment that made clear that tackling individual instances of political unkindness was not enough. The systemic causes of a broken political culture needed to be addressed.

Politics shapes every aspect of our lives — our health, our homes, our planet, our futures. When compassion, cooperation and inclusion are at its heart, we unlock our ability to solve the complex, interlocking crises we face. Compassion in Politics exists to catalyse that shift.

We believe that the adversarial, combative culture of British politics is not inevitable — it is a choice. Decades of compassion science show that institutions built on compassion, cooperation and inclusion are more effective, more trusted and more democratic than those built on conflict and division.

In 2019, The Guardian described Compassion in Politics as "the movement to be most hopeful about." We work across research, campaigning, training and coalition-building — with the support of over 50 parliamentarians from six parties.

By the numbers
2018
Year founded
50+
Parliamentary supporters across 6 parties
200k+
People backing our campaigns
6
Active programmes and campaigns
Our team

The people behind the work

Jennifer Nadel

Jennifer Nadel

Co-Founder & CEO

Jennifer Nadel is a qualified barrister, award-winning television journalist, political strategist and campaigner. Formerly Home Affairs Editor at ITV News and a senior BBC and Channel 4 correspondent, her investigative journalism on gender-based violence in Bosnia was used by UN War Crimes investigators. She is Co-Founder and CEO of Compassion in Politics, Director of Compassionate Politics at Stanford University's CCARE, and co-author of the Sunday Times bestseller WE: A Manifesto for Women Everywhere with Gillian Anderson.

Alison Raw

Alison Raw

Chief of Staff

Bio coming soon.

Rebecca Lewis

Rebecca Lewis

Head of Women and Democracy

Rebecca Lewis spent five years working for the Labour Party with a policy focus on women's rights and tackling violence against women and girls. A former Special Adviser to the Attorney General, she joined Compassion in Politics in September 2026 as Head of Women and Democracy, leading our work on the Women's Democracy Group and parliamentary reform.

Tim Moxham

Tim Moxham

APPG Lead

Tim leads engagement on behalf of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Compassion in Politics. With a background in Parliament and political campaigns, he advises on political strategy and communications. He is currently an Account Director at Whitehouse Communications, where he supports clients across the human rights, environment, energy and social justice sectors.

Lillian Lee

Lillian Lee

Administrator

Bio coming soon.

👤

Rebekah Flemming

Researcher

Bio coming soon.

Isobel Youll

Isobel Youll

Youth Ambassador

Isobel Youll is an International Relations student with a strong interest in political behaviour, identity and global governance. As Youth Ambassador for Compassion in Politics, she is committed to promoting respectful dialogue and encouraging young people to engage thoughtfully with public life. Her work focuses on how empathy and evidence can strengthen democratic culture.

Founders & Advisors

Co-founders & partners

👤

Matt Hawkins

Co-Founder & Advisor

Matt co-founded Compassion in Politics with Jennifer Nadel in 2018 and co-edited How Compassion Can Transform Our Politics, Economics, and Society. He was part of the Nobel Prize-winning team at the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons and successfully led the campaign for mixed-sex civil partnerships in Britain.

Tom Burgess

Tom Burgess

Director of CIP & CEO of Taxpayers Against Poverty

Tom Burgess leads on CIP's joint work with our sister organisation Taxpayers Against Poverty (TAP) to reduce poverty and economic injustice. A former CEO of an international communications firm operating in 100 countries, Tom is a journalist, broadcaster and author of From Here to Prosperity — a practical policy agenda for a sustainable economy and greater social justice.

In print & on air

Our publications & broadcasts

Routledge · 2021

How Compassion Can Transform Our Politics, Economy, and Society

Edited by Jennifer Nadel and Matt Hawkins. Contributors include AC Grayling, Paul Gilbert, Danny Dorling, Caroline Lucas, Kate Pickett and Lord Dubs.

Buy on Amazon →
BBC Radio 4 Documentary

Broken Politicians, Broken Politics

Presented by Jennifer Nadel. Produced by Daniel Tetlow. Based on research conducted with the Better Politics Foundation, 50:50 Parliament and others.

Listen on BBC →
Charter for Compassion · Podcast

With Compassion

The global podcast series presented by Jennifer Nadel for our US partner the Charter for Compassion. 21 episodes featuring global thinkers, activists and change-makers.

Listen on Apple Podcasts →

Work with us

We are always interested in hearing from people who share our commitment to compassionate politics — whether as volunteers, researchers, advisors or partners.

info@compassioninpolitics.com
For Politicians

Civility Pledge

Hundreds of local and national politicians have already signed up. Add your name to commit to a better political landscape.

Civility Pledge launch with Speaker of the House Civility Pledge at Fawcett Society
About the pledge

Campaigning for respectful politics

Abuse and intimidation should have no place in our democratic process. Civility is the first step to building a more tolerant and less toxic political space.

Together with the Jo Cox Foundation, we ask everyone engaging in politics to take the lead by signing the Civility Pledge — a commitment to creating a better political landscape.

♥

Developed with the Jo Cox Foundation

A partnership committed to tackling hatred and division in politics.

Read more about why civility matters in the article by Dr Dan Lawrence. Read the article →

Respectful engagement

To engage with political opponents and the public with respect, even in disagreement — avoiding personal attacks and abusive language.

Zero tolerance for abuse

To refuse to tolerate or encourage abuse, intimidation or threats directed at any person engaged in politics or public life.

Leading by example

To model the kind of politics we want to see — demonstrating that it is possible to disagree without being disagreeable.

Sign the Civility Pledge

Add your name as a politician committing to respectful politics.

To sign the Civility Pledge, email us with your name, role and constituency. We will add you to the list and be in touch to confirm.

info@compassioninpolitics.com

or email us directly at info@compassioninpolitics.com

By signing you commit to respectful political engagement. Your name may be published on our website.

🌏 Now live — launched April 2025

CiP Australia

CIPA advocates for honesty, unity and empathy in Australian politics — dedicated to driving positive change for the good of all.

Why Australia

A better way

A system built on competition and conflict rewards toxicity, dishonesty and prejudice. CIPA's mission is to advocate for a political system that puts compassion at its core.

CIPA will achieve this by enhancing political leaders' wellbeing and capacity to lead with integrity, advocating for compassion, driving policy change, and improving public discourse.

Chair: Josie Gibson. Coordinator: Jonathan Granger. Supported by Compassion in Politics UK and the Charter for Compassion.

"At this dangerous moment in history, compassion is needed at the heart of politics more than ever. We must both defend democracy and reform it. The threats are clear and we need to ensure our politics is resilient, inclusive and fit for the challenges that lie ahead."— Jennifer Nadel, Co-Founder & CEO

Visit the Australian site

Now live — find out more, sign the pledge and get involved.

compassioninpolitics.com.au ↗
Compassion in Politics

News & Media

Campaign updates, parliamentary news, international coverage and press — everything in one place.

Media enquiries: info@compassioninpolitics.com

Campaign

CIP partners with Taxpayers Against Poverty to launch The Nicolson Report: The Poverty Scandal

CIP announces strategic partnership for publication of a landmark report on poverty in the UK.

Nov 2025
Campaign

Civility – Why does it matter?

By Dr Dan Lawrence, a psychologist who works with Compassion in Politics — the case for civility in political life.

May 2025
Campaign

Breaking: Welsh Government commits to ban lying in politics

The Welsh Government has made history by committing to legislation to prevent political deception.

May 2025
Parliament

We took our call to Modernise Parliament to the Speaker of the House

Our Reset report landed on the Speaker's desk — a major step towards 21st century parliamentary reform.

Dec 2024
Parliament

A blueprint for a 21st Century Parliament

Our landmark report with 50:50 Parliament — now before the House of Commons Modernisation Committee.

May 2025
Campaign

Jo Cox Foundation & CIP launch Election Civility Pledge

Candidates across all parties invited to commit to respectful political engagement ahead of the General Election.

May 2025
Campaign

Letter to Anneliese Dodds

Our letter thanking Anneliese Dodds for taking a stand against cuts to international aid.

May 2025
Campaign

Compassionate political leadership is possible — and let's take hope from that

As we navigate the continual onslaught of bad news about politics, it is important to focus on the positive.

May 2025
International

Statement in support of the ICC

In response to President Trump's executive order imposing sanctions on the International Criminal Court.

May 2025
Campaign

Restoring trust in the political class — CIP signs letter to The Times

Compassion in Politics joined dozens of academics, former judges and civil society organisations in an open letter.

May 2025
Campaign

Reform our voting system — CIP signs letter to The Guardian

Delighted to be a signatory to this landmark letter in The Guardian calling for electoral reform.

May 2025
Campaign

The Prime Minister was right to condemn the lies

Our letter to the editor on the Prime Minister's condemnation of lies and disinformation in politics.

May 2025
Parliament

Ethics Commission proposal welcomed

Compassion in Politics welcomes Labour's commitment to establish an independent Ethics Commission.

June 2024
Campaign

Clean Up Politics — campaign update

From Anya Sizer, Democracy Lead — trust in our elected representatives is at an all-time low. Here's what we're doing about it.

June 2024
International

CIP calls for politicians to back a ceasefire in Gaza

Ahead of the votes in parliament on the conflict in Israel-Gaza, Jennifer Nadel calls for cross-party support.

2024
Parliament

Scandal-hit parliament urgently needs an independent Ethics Commission

Recent parliamentary scandals prove the urgent need for independent oversight of politicians' conduct.

2024
Campaign

Politicians, academics and NGOs call on parties to stop using attack ads

A coalition has written to party leaders calling for an end to negative, divisive attack advertising in British politics.

2024
Parliament

Raab resignation must be the beginning, not the end, of efforts to reform our politics

Jennifer Nadel responds to the resignation of Dominic Raab and calls for systemic reform of political culture.

2023
Campaign

Economists and human rights experts call on Starmer to drop "destructive" economic policy

Over 70 top economists and human rights experts write to the Labour leader urging a change of direction.

2023
Campaign

A sneak preview of our election campaign

We are deeply concerned about the direction of travel in our politics — here's what we plan to do about it.

2023
In the Media

Wales Is Leading the Way on Ending Lying in Politics

Byline Times — opinion piece on the Welsh Parliament's landmark legislation on political deception.

Feb 2025
In the Media

Politicians who deliberately lie could be forced from office in Wales

The Guardian — coverage of the Welsh Parliament's Stop the Lies legislation.

Feb 2025
Campaign

Make Big Tech Pay — 20,000+ signatures and counting

Our petition calling for emergency legislation to make social media platforms legally liable for harm has gathered over 20,000 signatures.

2025
Legal

Privacy Policy

How Compassion in Politics collects, uses and protects your personal data.

Last updated: June 2025

Who we are

Compassion in Politics is a cross-party think tank registered in England and Wales. Our website address is compassioninpolitics.com. You can contact us at info@compassioninpolitics.com.

What data we collect

We may collect the following personal data when you interact with our website:

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This privacy policy was last reviewed in June 2025. We recommend you check it periodically as it may be updated. This policy should be reviewed by a qualified legal professional before the site goes live with your real domain.

Legal

Terms & Conditions

Terms governing your use of the Compassion in Politics website.

Last updated: June 2025

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By using this website you agree to these terms. If you do not agree, please do not use the site. Compassion in Politics reserves the right to update these terms at any time.

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Limitation of liability

Compassion in Politics shall not be liable for any loss or damage arising from your use of this website or reliance on its content.

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These terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

Contact

For any queries about these terms contact info@compassioninpolitics.com.

These terms should be reviewed by a qualified legal professional before the site goes live with your real domain.

Campaign

Women's Democracy Group

Women's representation in politics is not progressing — it is stalling. In local elections, fewer women are standing than in previous years. Online abuse is at record levels. Misogynistic threats are driving women out of public life. We believe the problem isn't the women. It's the system they are being sent into.

"We are not just sending more women into parliament. We are sending more women into a toxic and dangerous environment."

Jennifer Nadel, Co-Founder & CEO, Compassion in Politics

1 in 3
Local election candidates
who were women — 2025
5th
Consecutive year with
no improvement
0%
Female Reform MPs
in the House of Commons
The evidence

The numbers tell the story

In the 2025 local elections, only a third of candidates were women — the fifth consecutive year of no improvement according to 50:50 Parliament. The rise of Reform UK is making the gender gap significantly worse.

Female candidates by party — 2025 local elections
Labour
~42%
Green
~42%
Lib Dems
~33%
Conservative
<30%
Reform
<25%
Source: University of Exeter Elections Centre, Dr Hannah Bunting, 2025. Reform as low as 11% in Leicester, 15% in Doncaster.
In the House of Commons

The party divide at Westminster

The gap between parties at Westminster is stark. Reform's arrival with zero female MPs threatens to reverse decades of slow progress.

Female MPs by party — House of Commons 2024
Labour
46%
Lib Dems
44%
Conservative
24%
Reform
0%
Source: Institute for Government, 2024 general election data.

The introduction of Reform candidates across England — and their success in the 2025 local elections winning 677 council seats — means the gender gap in elected politics is widening, not narrowing.

The challenge

What women in politics face

Getting more women into parliament is necessary — but it is not sufficient. Without systemic change, we are simply sending more women into a system that was not built for them.

The culture

A parliament built on adversarial combat

The House of Commons was designed by and for men. Bear-pit PMQs, shouting and jeering are not traditions to cherish — they are barriers that disproportionately drive women out and deter others from standing.

The abuse

Misogyny as a political weapon

Threats, harassment and misogynistic abuse are being used deliberately to silence women's voices and deter others from standing. This is not a side effect of public life — it is a coordinated assault on women's political participation.

The barriers

Structures that penalise women

Parliamentary hours, the absence of job sharing, inadequate parental provision and a culture of presenteeism create structural barriers that fall hardest on women — making an already difficult role unsustainable for many.

Women's Democracy Group meeting in ParliamentThe Women's Democracy Group

Women's Democracy Group meeting in Parliament A coalition formed for this moment

The Women's Democracy Group is a coalition of women's organisations working in the democratic space, formed together to meet the extra challenges and threats faced by women in politics at this particular and dangerous moment in history.

With the far right on the rise, online abuse escalating and the gains of recent decades under threat, co-ordinated action across the women's movement is essential — pooling expertise and amplifying impact to drive systemic reform at every level.

Our coalition works on representation, safety, culture change and legislation — making the case that women's issues must be at the top of the political agenda, and that parliament itself must be reformed to be accessible, safe and genuinely representative.

For organisations

If your organisation works in the democratic space and would like to join the Women's Democracy Group, we would love to hear from you.

Email us at info@compassioninpolitics.com
Our partner organisations

Formed together

Compassion in Politics
Cross-party think tank campaigning for compassionate, evidence-based political reform
Fawcett Society
The UK's leading charity campaigning for gender equality and women's rights
Elect Her
Training and supporting women to stand for election at every level of politics
50:50 Parliament
Campaigning for equal numbers of women and men in the UK Parliament
Centenary Action Group
Coalition of organisations working to advance women in public and political life
Our agenda for change

What we are working on

Across legislation, safety, culture and representation — making parliament accessible, safe and genuinely fit for women.

Legislation

MPs Job Share Bill

Our landmark proposal to enable MPs to job share would transform access to parliament for those with caring responsibilities, disabilities or health conditions — making a democratic career possible for far more women.

Parliamentary reform

Gender-sensitive parliament

Our Reset report — now before the House of Commons Modernisation Committee — includes specific recommendations on chamber culture, working hours, parental provision and the design of debate, informed directly by women's experience.

Safety

Safety in Office

Developed with the Better Politics Foundation, our Safety in Office programme equips women politicians with practical tools, skills and peer support to stay safe, stay well and stay in public life in the face of abuse designed to silence them.

Culture change

Ending the bear-pit

Our Civility Pledge, developed with the Jo Cox Foundation, challenges the adversarial culture that drives women out. We are pushing for reform of PMQs and the rules governing conduct in the House of Commons.

Join the Women's Democracy Group

The Women's Democracy Group is open to organisations working in the democratic space. If your organisation would like to join, we would love to hear from you — drop us a line.

info@compassioninpolitics.com
Compassion in Politics

Book our CEO to speak

We provide speakers for keynotes, conferences, parliamentary events, panels and webinars on compassionate politics, women and democracy, political reform and leadership. Speaker fees contribute directly to our campaigns and advocacy work.

Our speakers bring together decades of experience in journalism, law, political campaigning and frontline advocacy. Every booking directly funds our campaigns and advocacy work.

info@compassioninpolitics.com
Jennifer Nadel speaking at Compassion Academy
Our lead speaker

Jennifer Nadel

Co-Founder & CEO · Barrister · Journalist · Author

Jennifer speaks on compassionate politics, democratic reform, women and leadership, and how compassion science can transform institutions. She has addressed audiences at the UN, Houses of Parliament, Oxford Union, Google, Apple, Bloomberg, JP Morgan and the Fawcett Society.

Bestseller · CBS · BBC · ITV · The View
WE: A Manifesto for Women Everywhere

Co-authored with Gillian Anderson. Jennifer speaks and runs workshops based on its nine principles for inner transformation and outer change.

Buy on Amazon →
Where Jennifer has spoken
UK Houses of Parliament

Keynotes & parliamentary roundtables

Oxford Union

Debate and keynote

Fawcett Society

Annual conference — women and politics

Google · Apple · Bloomberg · JP Morgan

Compassionate leadership & women in the workplace

Institute of Directors

Leadership, purpose and political reform

Yale · Oxford · Edinburgh · Melbourne

Academic lectures and panels

UN · New York & Bangkok

Women in leadership & political reform

Topics Jennifer covers
Compassionate leadership Democratic reform Women & politics Political toxicity Civility in public life Compassion science Misinformation & democracy
Volunteer speakers

We have a small number of volunteer speakers from our network available for panels, roundtables and community events. To find out whether a volunteer speaker might be right for your event, email us.

To find out more email info@compassioninpolitics.com

Book a speaker

All speaker fees go directly towards funding our campaigns and advocacy work. To discuss a booking or find out more, email us.

info@compassioninpolitics.com
CPD Accredited  ·  UK Houses of Parliament Registered Provider

Compassion Academy

Transforming politics through compassionate leadership — bespoke, experiential and skills-based training for leaders, individuals and organisations working in the political arena worldwide.

To book a session email info@compassioninpolitics.com

Our credentials
CPD accredited training provider UK Houses of Parliament registered provider United Nations — New York & Bangkok Stanford Medical School — CCARE
Who we are

The educational wing of CIP

The Compassion Academy is the educational wing of Compassion in Politics. We are a registered training provider for the UK Houses of Parliament and an accredited CPD provider, delivering cutting-edge training and strategic advice on a global scale.

Our training is designed for anyone working in or around politics — from MPs and their staff to candidates, civil servants, local councillors, civil society leaders and community organisers. Our mission is to instil compassion, collaboration and resilience in political practice worldwide.

We have delivered training at the UN in New York and Bangkok, to women politicians in the Balkans, and to politicians, staff and civil society organisations in Westminster, Germany, Spain, Brazil and the US.

To find out more email info@compassioninpolitics.com

Our advisory board

World-leading experts

Professor Paul Gilbert
Founder, Compassionate Mind Foundation
Professor Michael West
Senior Fellow, The King's Fund
Dr Marcela Matos
Researcher, Compassion and Wellbeing
Marilyn Turkovich
Executive Director, Charter for Compassion
Reggie Hubbard
Mindfulness and Compassion Educator
Associated with Stanford Medical School through the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education (CCARE)
Our flagship programme

New Politics training

Our politics is not working. Adversarial, short-termist and increasingly unable to address the scale of challenges we face — the climate crisis, rising inequality, the erosion of trust, the rise of the far right — Old Politics has run out of road.

New Politics isn't naive idealism — it's a practical necessity. We work with politicians who want to do things differently, giving them the skills, resilience and peer community to lead in a way that builds a fairer, more resilient and kinder society.

We have been collaborating with over 100 MPs across party lines in the UK to reform political practices and outcomes. Our training is grounded in that lived experience — what actually works in the real world of political life.

Programme formats
2-hour taster session Day workshop Series of sessions Year-long certified course
Where we have delivered training
UK Houses of Parliament
United Nations, New York
United Nations, Bangkok
Women politicians, Balkans
Germany
Spain
Brazil
United States
What we offer

Our training programmes

From one-off workshops to year-long certified courses — bespoke training for individuals, teams and national parliaments.

🎓

Compassionate Leadership

Empower leaders to lead with empathy and integrity — building the skills to navigate complex political environments while staying true to core values.

Individuals · Groups · Parliaments
🤝

Compassionate Teambuilding

Foster strong, cohesive teams grounded in mutual respect — the collaborative foundations that make effective political work possible.

Teams · Organisations
🛡

Resilience Workshops

Build resilience to navigate the immense pressures of political life — including specially designed workshops for candidates and their teams during election periods.

Individuals · Campaign teams
🔒
Developed with the Better Politics Foundation

Safety in Office

Threats and abuse against politicians are rising sharply. We need effective, representative political leaders performing at their best — yet support and training remain almost entirely absent. This programme, developed with the Better Politics Foundation, equips parliamentarians, candidates and political staff with practical skills, tools and peer connections to make political office sustainable.

Each programme includes expert input on leadership competencies, mental wellbeing and online safety — combined with the rare opportunity to connect and learn with peers facing the same challenges.

To find out more email info@compassioninpolitics.com

Programme tiers
Half-day
Introductory workshop
Interactive and supportive — practical skills, frameworks and peer connection for those new to the programme
8 hours
Full programme
Live sessions plus self-paced modules. Master classes with senior current and former elected officials. Values-based leadership and online safety skills.
Train the trainer
Train the trainer
For political party staff and leadership organisations — everything needed to deliver the programme at scale within your own context
🌐

Peer Support Networks

Facilitated peer-support networks for organisations seeking to improve connection, cohesion and psychological safety within their teams.

Organisations · Networks
🗺

Visioning Workshops

Strategic visioning for cities, projects and organisations — a compassionate blueprint for long-term implementation and change.

Cities · Projects · Organisations
🌿

TLC: Local Bridge Builders

A 90-minute interactive workshop equipping everyday citizens to become community connectors and catalysts for connection. Developed with Compassionate Communities UK.

Open to all · Free or pay what you can
Find out more →
Bespoke delivery

Tailored to your needs

All our training is designed specifically for your context and audience — no two programmes are the same. We begin with a conversation about what you need and build from there.

We cater to individuals, groups, political parties and national parliaments. All our work is cross-party and inclusive, grounded in the evidence base for what actually works in building compassionate, resilient political leadership.

We offer introductory two-hour taster sessions — a practical, accessible first step. These can be followed by a series of sessions or a full year-long certified course, depending on what you need.

📬

Book a training session

Get in touch to discuss your requirements — from a single workshop to a full programme. We would love to hear from you.

info@compassioninpolitics.com: info@compassioninpolitics.com

We aim to respond within two working days

Ready to get started?

Join the movement to transform political culture through compassionate leadership. Try our introductory two-hour taster session or get in touch to build a bespoke programme.

To book a taster session email info@compassioninpolitics.com

Our Work

Compassionate Communities

Community connection is not just a wellbeing issue — it is the foundation of a resilient democracy. When people know their neighbours, trust their communities and feel they belong, they are harder to manipulate, harder to radicalise, and more likely to participate in civic life.

"Sharing in an undertaking teaches us that we can trust people beyond a narrow circle of friends and families... The capacity for trust and learning can make life seem less chaotic and mysterious, and democratic politics more plausible and attractive."

— Timothy Snyder, On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century

Snyder's lesson — that community groups and shared activities are a direct defence against tyranny — connects directly to our work. Loneliness and disconnection create the conditions in which authoritarianism takes hold. Connection, cohesion and belonging are not nice-to-haves. They are democratic necessities.

The case for compassionate communities

Three reasons this matters

Connection is the antidote to three of the most serious threats we face.

Democracy & resilience

Cohesion is democracy's immune system

Isolated people are more susceptible to disinformation, radicalisation and the politics of fear. Connected communities trust institutions, participate in civic life and resist authoritarian narratives. Community is the first line of defence.

Health & wellbeing

Social connection is a clinical intervention

Chronic loneliness increases the risk of early death by more than 20% — equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Good social relationships reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and mental illness. The evidence is overwhelming.

Economy & public services

Connection reduces the burden on the state

The Frome model demonstrated a £6 return for every £1 invested. When communities are connected, people need emergency services less, use hospitals less, and support each other through challenges that would otherwise fall to the state.

The evidence

Proof from Frome

The Frome model is the first intervention ever demonstrated to sustainably reduce emergency hospital admissions across a whole population — by building community connection.

New York Times, December 2021

"How an English City Is Fighting Isolation"

Read the article →
The Guardian

"Is it a drug? A device? A surgical procedure? No, it's a newfangled intervention called community."

— George Monbiot

14%
Reduction in emergency hospital admissions in Frome over 44 months
28.5%
Increase in admissions across the rest of Somerset in the same period
£6:£1
Return on investment — for every £1 spent on the programme
Our partner

Compassionate Cities UK

We work alongside Compassionate Cities UK, led by Dr Julian Abel — the pioneer of the Frome model and one of the world's leading experts on compassionate community approaches to health and social resilience.

Together we work to bring the evidence base for compassionate communities into the political and civic mainstream — making the case to government that investing in social connection is both a democratic necessity and a sound use of public money.

compassionate-communitiesuk.com →
How we work

Building resilient communities

Identify

Find those who need connection

Broad criteria — not limited by age or diagnosis. Anyone who gives cause for concern, or who simply wants to build their social networks.

Connect

Map and build community assets

Identify local groups, resources and voluntary organisations. Where gaps exist, create new groups — walking clubs, talking cafes, peer support networks.

Strengthen

Train local bridge builders

Our TLC programme equips ordinary citizens to become community connectors — the human infrastructure that makes compassionate communities work at scale.

Join us

TLC: Training for Local Bridge Builders

A 90-minute interactive workshop designed by Compassionate Communities UK — equipping everyday citizens to become connectors, bridge builders and catalysts for kindness in their communities. No prior experience required.

Strong, compassionate communities don't begin with institutions — they begin with people who notice one another, listen deeply, and help make connections where they matter most.

Module 1
Survival of Kindness
The science and practice of compassion as a community force
Module 2
Treasure Mapping
Identifying the hidden assets and strengths in your community
Modules 3 & 4
Listening & Bridge Building
Deep listening and practical bridge-building to strengthen the social fabric
🌿

Join a TLC session

No prior experience required — just a caring heart and a desire to help people feel seen, heard and connected. On completion you will receive a TLC Badge as a trained local connector.

✓ 90-minute interactive workshop
✓ Video segments, guided discussion & practical exercises
✓ TLC Badge as a trained local connector
✓ Access to ongoing community of practice
To register your interest email info@compassioninpolitics.com

Free or pay what you can  ·  Also available through the Charter for Compassion

Build a more connected community

Whether you want to bring the TLC programme to your community, explore how the Frome model could work where you live, or simply find out more — we would love to hear from you.

info@compassioninpolitics.com