WAVE has been spearheading social change since its formation in 1996. One way we do this is by continuous global research into the root causes of social problems.
Over the years, we have been commissioned to produce reports by such varied partners as the Department of Health, the Department for Education, The Metropolitan Police, The All Party Parliamentary Group for the First 1001 Days, the Scottish Government, and The Centre for Social Justice (CSJ).
Below is a collection of our most important research reports, which lay out our findings for the benefit of policymakers and professionals, and provide practical solutions for addressing many social issues, including:
The 3 most important reports which make policy recommendations and/or set out the key elements of preventive action plans are:
If you would like to learn more about our research and approach, or would like more information about our projects, contact us here.
Written by Ita Walsh and published in June 2018 by WAVE Trust, 'Age 2 to 18 - systems to protect children from severe disadvantage' details how a national shift to a user-focused, trauma-informed care system characterised by ACE-awareness, followed by adoption of a pedagogical approach across all aspects of children and family services, would protect against severe, multiple disadvantage. Read more
WAVE Trust report - a Department for Education invited response to Supporting Families in the Foundation Years - March 2013. Read more
Recommendations for the promotion of optimal development in the first 1001 days to give every baby the best possible start in life. Read more
This cross-party manifesto was produced - in partnership with WAVE - by Conservative MP Andrea Leadsom, Labour MP Frank Field, Liberal Democrat MP Paul Burstow and Green Party MP Caroline Lucas. Read more
Published in January 2005. Our seminal work - this report represents the culmination of 9 years of research into and study of the root causes of violent behaviour. Read more
Published in September 2008 by WAVE Trust, and written for The Metropolitan Police, this report summarises the findings and recommendations of a pan- London Conference in November 2007 on reducing serious youth violence, hosted by WAVE Trust for 'The Met'. Read more
Published in March 2014, this report draws conclusions from the comparison of WAVE Trust's Age of Opportunity report and the Department of Health's Healthy Child Programme. Read more
Published by WAVE in March 2014, this concise guide is designed to aid engagement by local areas by providing a simplified summary of the Age of Opportunity (AoO) report and its findings. Read more
With input from senior staff in local areas, and experts in early years, this WAVE Trust report identifies the main barriers hindering a shift to a preventive and integrated approach to early child development and suggests the key actions to overcome these. Read more
A guide to implementing best preventive and integrative practice in children’s health and wellbeing from conception to age 2. Read more
The first annual report of Scotland's coalition supporting Putting the Baby IN the Bath Water, published in December 2014. Read more
This extract is from the full report, 'Conception to age 2 - the age of opportunity' and contains the economic argument for investing in the early years. Read more
This briefing paper, written by WAVE Trust for The Centre for Social Justice, provides guidance for professionals wishing to commission and fund early intervention. Read more
In 2010 George Hosking gave evidence to the Scottish Parliament's Finance Committee advising a switch to a primary preventive strategy. Read more
Published in January 2010 by WAVE Trust. We were commissioned by C4EO to carry out a rapid review of international literature relating to early intervention. Read more
Published on 1st September 2008. WAVE drafted this first ever joint Labour/Conservative publication. Read more
Written by George Hosking OBE in January 1999. Violent behaviour is learned very young and improving parenting skills may be the way to prevent it. Read more