Institute of Community Studies


The Institute of Community Studies based in London was an urban studies think tank. Founded in 1954, it had been the main vehicle through which Michael Young created over 60 organisations including the Open University and the Consumers' Association. A registered charity, its main purpose was to promote and carry out research in the social sciences. It ran research programmes funded from a variety of sources including charitable foundations, the UK government and the EU.
In 2005, it merged with the Mutual Aid Centre and was renamed The Young Foundation, in honor of Michael Young. The current Chief Executive of The Young Foundation is Helen Goulden.