Director of Research

Al is Director of Research and joined The Young Foundation in 2023. Prior to this, she was Director of Research and Learning at the RSA, and Head of Research at Good Things Foundation.

Before moving to the charity sector, Al worked in academia, where her work focused on research partnerships with underrepresented groups, redesigning participatory approaches to landscape architecture and urban design. She brings more than 15 years’ experience leading research teams, taking a strategic approach to participatory practice in order to create lasting local and national impact. Al is passionate about The Young Foundation’s commitment to realising a fairer future with communities, and supporting evidence-driven social change.

As an expert in participatory research and digital inclusion, Al holds a number of advisory board positions including INCLUDE+, developing a minimum digital living standard for households with children, and Equity for the Older: Beyond Digital Access. She is committed to cross sector impact, and improving understanding and collaboration between policymakers, academia, businesses, and charities.

Al lives in Sheffield, and loves being out in nature with her family, exploring the nearby Peak District.

Contact information

al.mathers@youngfoundation.org
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