Learning from the world. Inspiring change in the UK.
We are the Churchill Fellowship: a UK charity which supports individual UK citizens to follow their passion for change, through learning from the world and bringing that knowledge back to the UK. Together our community of Churchill Fellows use their international learning to lead the change they wish to see across every area of UK life. We were founded by public donation in 1965 as the living legacy of Sir Winston Churchill for the nation.
60 years since the launch of the Churchill Fellowship, nearly 6,000 Fellows have been pioneering change across the UK. To honour their work, we’re launching a £10m Appeal to fund the Activate Programme, empowering Fellows to turn their ideas into action.
We are delighted to celebrate the achievements of three Churchill Fellows who have been recognised in the 2025 New Year Honours List for their outstanding contributions to their fields and communities: Susan Waterson OBE, Peter Clegg OBE, and David Martin MBE.
Our Changemaker Stories series highlights the inspiring journeys of Churchill Fellows tackling some of today’s most pressing challenges – from connecting refugees with their neighbours to transforming emergency services for Deaf people, these remarkable Fellows are creating real impact. Watch the series now and be inspired to join our community of changemakers.
Churchill Fellows are a unique source of ideas from around the world for a range of issues across all areas of UK society. Read some of their latest below or head to our News and Views section to find out more.
We spoke with Laura Wyatt-Smith about her Churchill Fellowship exploring the effects of smartphones on childhood. From Silicon Valley to Europe, she investigated how parents, educators, and tech experts are responding to the digitalisation of childhood. Now, she is sharing her findings through talks, workshops, and an upcoming book, helping parents navigate this issue with practical guidance.
By Laura Wyatt-Smith, 20 February 2025
Through my Churchill Fellowship, I explored how Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG) could provide long-overdue answers to families and transform UK policing. By learning from experts in the USA, Canada, and Sweden, I examined how IGG can be implemented ethically and effectively within the UK’s legal framework. With growing momentum for its use, I’m committed to advocating for responsible adoption – ensuring this powerful tool can be used responsibly to deliver justice.
By Emma Tilley, 12 February 2025
In this interview, Churchill Fellow Duncan Vaughan reflects on his Fellowship journey exploring marine planning and protection. From Europe to the USA, Duncan discusses his experiences with experts and the insights he brought back to influence marine management in the UK.
By Duncan Vaughan, 6 February 2025
Reflecting on his first year as a Fellowship Officer, Usman Farid shares highlights of his experience guiding potential Fellows through the application process. He discusses helping projects evolve, applying key grant-making principles, the challenges and rewards of the longlisting process, and the excitement of supporting applicants and watching them drive change in their communities.
Empowering boys to understand, express and regulate their emotions.
2024
Supporting disabled people to take up high-level positions in organisations through leadership programmes
2016
Improving dementia care through new teaching models for nurses
2019
Engaging young people in politics through innovative social action campaigns
2016
Engaging deprived urban communities in handball sports
2020
The Fellowship inspires change at many different levels. Fellows combine their personal vision and experience with their global learning to strengthen UK communities and sectors and influence services and policies locally and nationally. Many also tell us about the transformational impact of the Fellowship on their own lives.
Learn moreWe welcome support for our unique programme of Fellowships, which transform lives, communities and professions across the UK. You can help our work through donations, partnerships and legacies, which are vital for growing the impact and the opportunity we offer. We are always pleased to discuss ways to get involved.
Learn more
