The Opportunity
Social cohesion is a defining national priority, with government investing in new strategies and initiatives to build stronger, more connected communities. Yet in many of these spaces, organised and credible British Muslim expertise remains underrepresented. This gap is not only unfair, it limits the effectiveness of policy. Cohesion cannot be built without meaningful input from the communities it seeks to serve. Too often, Muslim voices are consulted late and excluded from key decision-making spaces. The UKMN Social Cohesion Impact Lab exists to change this placing informed, credible voices at the centre of the conversation.
What the Lab Will Do
The Lab will bring together community leaders, local authority practitioners, policy specialists, interfaith workers and civil society professionals to develop a credible, evidence-informed British Muslim contribution to the national social cohesion debate. By the end of the programme, the Lab will produce a first-of-its-kind landscape map of Muslim civic infrastructure related to cohesion, alongside a formal policy briefing presented to MHCLG — highlighting strengths and areas for further action. A key milestone will be a high-level roundtable with the Minister for Social Cohesion and the Social Cohesion Taskforce, ensuring Muslim voices are represented in shaping the agenda. All outputs will be published under UKMN, with contributors credited — forming part of the public record to inform government, parliamentary discussion and wider community engagement.
How It Works
The Lab runs in two stages.
1
Stage One is sixteen weeks of structured, collaborative work.
The Lab meets every two weeks, primarily online, with two in-person sessions. Online meetings focus on developing evidence, shaping positions and drafting recommendations. The in-person sessions offer deeper engagement — an opportunity to test ideas, hear directly from frontline practitioners, and capture expert voices often missing from policy conversations. These sessions bring real energy and impact, making them a key part of the Lab experience.
2
Stage Two is a six-week community consultation.
Before publication, draft findings are shared with the wider British Muslim community through surveys and open webinars, ensuring the final output is shaped by community input. This approach gives the Lab’s work its legitimacy and authority.Participation is voluntary but recognised. Members are listed on the UKMN website, credited on outputs, and acknowledged at public events. All sessions operate under the Chatham House Rule, allowing open and honest discussion without attribution.
What We're Looking For
We are seeking up to twelve individuals with direct experience in the cohesion agenda across communities, institutions or policy spaces. This may include community leaders, local authority practitioners, policy specialists, civil society professionals, or researchers working in areas such as integration, equalities, interfaith relations or British Muslim civic life.
Key Dates
Stage One begins
12 June 2026
Stage One ends
Late September 2026
Stage Two begins
Early November 2026
Stage Two ends
Mid-December 2026
Get Involved
If this sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you. Whether you want to register your interest in joining the Lab, find out more about how it works, or simply ask a question, drop us a message at info@ukmuslimnetwork.uk and a member of the team will come back to you.
© 2026 UK Muslim Network. All rights reserved.
Launching May 2026
UKMN Social Cohesion Impact Lab
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The Opportunity
Social cohesion is a defining national priority, with government investing in new strategies and initiatives to build stronger, more connected communities. Yet in many of these spaces, organised and credible British Muslim expertise remains underrepresented. This gap is not only unfair, it limits the effectiveness of policy. Cohesion cannot be built without meaningful input from the communities it seeks to serve. Too often, Muslim voices are consulted late and excluded from key decision-making spaces. The UKMN Social Cohesion Impact Lab exists to change this placing informed, credible voices at the centre of the conversation.
What the Lab Will Do
The Lab will bring together community leaders, local authority practitioners, policy specialists, interfaith workers and civil society professionals to develop a credible, evidence-informed British Muslim contribution to the national social cohesion debate. By the end of the programme, the Lab will produce a first-of-its-kind landscape map of Muslim civic infrastructure related to cohesion, alongside a formal policy briefing presented to MHCLG — highlighting strengths and areas for further action. A key milestone will be a high-level roundtable with the Minister for Social Cohesion and the Social Cohesion Taskforce, ensuring Muslim voices are represented in shaping the agenda. All outputs will be published under UKMN, with contributors credited — forming part of the public record to inform government, parliamentary discussion and wider community engagement.
What We're Looking For
We are seeking up to twelve individuals with direct experience in the cohesion agenda across communities, institutions or policy spaces. This may include community leaders, local authority practitioners, policy specialists, civil society professionals, or researchers working in areas such as integration, equalities, interfaith relations or British Muslim civic life.
Key Dates
Stage One begins
12 June 2026
Stage One ends
Late September 2026
Stage Two begins
Early November 2026
Stage Two ends
Mid-December 2026
Get Involved
If this sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you. Whether you want to register your interest in joining the Lab, find out more about how it works, or simply ask a question, drop us a message at hello@ukmuslimnetwork.uk and a member of the team will come back to you.
Get Involved
If this sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you. Whether you want to register your interest in joining the Lab, find out more about how it works, or simply ask a question, drop us a message at hello@ukmuslimnetwork.uk and a member of the team will come back to you.
© 2026 UK Muslim Network. All rights reserved.
© 2026 UK Muslim Network. All rights reserved.