University of Bath education researchers Dr Alison Douthwaite and Professor Ceri Brown were in Parliament on Tuesday 28 October to share their expertise at a high-level policy evidence session focused on reducing the number of young people not in education, employment or training (NEET).

The session, 'Earning or Learning? A New Agenda for Youth NEET Reduction', was hosted by Policy Connect and chaired by Lauren Edwards MP.

It brought together national and regional experts from across education, industry and policy, including representatives from the Youth Futures Foundation, Association of Colleges and Miss Macaroon, alongside attendees from organisations such as the Institute of the Motor Industry, West Midlands Combined Authority, and the Nuffield Foundation.

Drawing on their research into NEET prevention and youth belonging, Professor Brown and Dr Douthwaite presented findings from the Bath-led Connected Belonging programme, highlighting how their approach of prevention through belonging can reduce the risk of young people becoming NEET while also strengthening their sense of purpose and connection.

Their research has led to the creation of several tools now used nationally, including the Tackling NEET Toolkit, Risk Review Framework and School Belonging Toolkit. These resources are helping practitioners and policymakers move from prediction to action, supporting early identification of risk and enabling joined-up, human-centred interventions.

Working with regional partners, Bath’s research also informed the recent policy brief Engaging Young People in Employment, Education or Training, co-produced with more than 90 professionals and young people from 11 South West authorities. It identifies four priorities for NEET reduction: a joined-up, cross-departmental strategy; fair and flexible post-16 transitions; trusting relationships as the driver of change; and belonging as the foundation of engagement with and for young people NEET or at risk of NEET.

Commenting after the session, Dr Alison Douthwaite explained: ‘’This was an excellent opportunity to contribute to the national debate on the high numbers of young people outside education, training, and work. Our research, and our ongoing collaboration with young people and professionals, highlight the importance of joined-up systems that close the gaps and address the traps leading to NEET outcomes. Bringing together representatives from education and employment, the session enabled valuable cross-sector discussion on the systemic changes needed to reduce NEET levels through early intervention and smoother transitions.

"Since completing our EU-funded research project on early school leaving in 2022, we have been determined to ensure that the insights, findings, and partnerships developed through the study lead to real impact on young people’s pathways in both practice and policy. This was an invaluable opportunity to feed into national policy discussions, and we were especially pleased to highlight the crucial role of transport and the relational aspects of support."

Professor Ceri Brown said: "Our eight-year research programme on NEET prevention and wellbeing has shown that helping young people build a secure sense of belonging is vital. Through consistent, relationship-based and identity-affirming support, our toolkits help professionals connect young people to their communities. When young people feel they belong, they see themselves as valued contributors with a real stake in society. It’s important that this understanding is reflected at a national level, because belonging is the foundation for wellbeing and opportunity."

Head of the Department of Education, Elisabeth Barratt-Hacking added: "Alison and Ceri's contribution to this Parliamentary session shows how Bath’s education research continues to shape national thinking on inclusion and opportunity. Their work demonstrates how long-term collaboration with schools, councils and young people can deliver practical, evidence-based solutions that make a real difference to policy and practice.”