Independent Academic Research Studies (IARS)

Independent Academic Research Studies (IARS) is a YRN Partner. This page provides more information about their work and will provide information about their research as part of the network in the future.

ARS is a national, youth-led non-profit social policy thinktank that was set up in 2001 to give voice to young people to influence policies and practices that affect them and through their work to support the Third Sector in achieving community cohesion, and promoting equality, human rights, restorative justice and alternative dispute resolution. We achieve this aim by acting as an independent consultancy, by carrying out research and by informing strategic decision makers about issues affecting groups that are easily exposed to discrimination (e.g., Black and minority ethnic groups, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, the elderly and disabled and the mentally ill) and victimization (e.g., children, the homeless and refugees).

IARS work involves:

• Youth Empowerment Project which works directly with young people to empower them through training, placements and volunteering opportunities to influence policy and practices such as bullying, discrimination, gang and gun crime.
• Sitting on the Board of Trustees of London Voluntary Service Council (LVSC).
• Policy and research work on hate crime and restorative justice.
• Collaboration with Government Office for London and voluntary and community sector organisation on the role of community groups in community reassurance in London.
• Comparative and policy analysis of homelessness in London, the UK and the EU.

Mission

To be a youth-led organisation that will champion, develop and support the UK's Third Sector particularly other youth-led groups and organisations working on human rights, equality and restorative justice. IARS will achieve this through working with Government and national, regional and international organisations, carrying out research and by disseminating widely its findings to key decision makers.

Membership

Membership of IARS is free. Benefits include:

• Copies of publications
• Regular e-bulletins, newsletters, policy briefings and consultation responses, keeping you up to date with all the social policy issues affecting young people.
• Keeping informed about all IARS events.

Useful Downloads and links

• For more information about IARS, specifically their strategic aims download the IARS Flyer >>
• Visit the IARS website >>

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