Our Mission
Our purpose
The hardest social challenges are embedded in complex systems, shaped by incentives, institutions, multiple influencing factors including changing public policy, shifting external environments, and feedback loops.
We bring new approaches to complex, big picture, system-level problems of social inequalities, unfairness, unequal opportunities and justice. We’re here to take on these challenges, convene partners, co-develop holistic, sustainable approaches which improve lives, and deliver them together at scale.
How did we get here?
You may already know Elevate Great by our previous name, Cattanach. Established in 1991 by Phyllis Cattanach as a family trust, it aims to benefit society, with an initial focus on early years. The charity has funded many organisations and projects to support the first few years of children’s lives.
We’ve built on that principle to adopt a laser focus on early intervention and prevention, but extending our reach beyond early years to creating system-level change at all stages of life. We are committed to creating solutions to the UK’s biggest social inequality challenges.
As we’ve evolved, we’ve developed a growing number of programmes. We deliver and invest in projects that improve lives for the long-term, building partnerships, capacity and capabilities to scale-up solutions.
Our values and principles
We're fiercely ambitious for positive social change and collaborating to make it happen.
-
Bold
We see unfulfilled potential everywhere – in people, in places, in systems. While progress over centuries shows us what’s possible, we refuse to settle.
-
Brave
We name hard truths and challenge broken systems. We’re willing to disrupt, to ask uncomfortable questions, and to lead change even when the path forward is uncertain.
-
Human
Real change starts with listening, with empathy, and with designing solutions that reflect the lived realities of people across the UK.
-
Energetic
We move with urgency and optimism. We’re channelling our energy into building coalitions, experimenting with new ideas, and sparking lasting change together.
-
Evidenced
Our thinking is rooted in research and sharpened by experience. We draw on neuroscience, economics, and real-life stories to back bold ideas with strong evidence.
Annual reports & accounts
Governing documents
