About

The NHS is famously a state-run health service, yet it has always made space for some charitable activities. From 2020-2025, we studied the border between statutory and charitable provision, how this has been shaped by policy over time, and how, when, and why it is crossed in practice. We analysed the amount and distribution of charitable fundraising for NHS charities, and a selection of individual NHS charities – both historically and in the present day. Together, our research developed a collective account of the effects, both positive and problematic, of these organisations in the UK health system. Our results are highly relevant to stakeholders in the NHS, charities and their supporters, politicians, and all with an interest in informed debate about the contribution of charity in the welfare state.

Scroll down to see a summary of our research and findings, or take a look at our team and publications.