About the Commission
Fill in the Call for Evidence below
Almost one in five people in England are now aged 65 and over, and nearly two in five are aged 50 and over. Yet too many people in this stage of life face barriers to good work, financial security, and wellbeing, when they still have so much to contribute. Ensuring that people continue to play fulfilling roles as workers, carers, taxpayers, and volunteers is not only vital for individuals, but for our society and economy.
The Beyond Midlife Commission will focus on one of the most pressing and yet under-examined challenges facing our country: how we support people approaching midlife and beyond to thrive in the labour market.
Our Commissioners bring together experience from across business, politics, the public sector, and civil society. Our work will be grounded in listening carefully to those most affected. This will include landmark polling, focus groups with workers in midlife experiencing the most acute disadvantages, and roundtables to test support for emerging recommendations.
We will work closely with the CSJ Foundation network of nearly 1,000 small charities across the country, ensuring that the voices of those with lived experience are included in our recommendations.
And we also want to hear from you: we welcome evidence and experiences from members of the public in our call for evidence below.
Commissioners
Liz Earle MBE
Wellbeing Brand Founder, Commission Chair
Lady Stewart
TV Personality
Jonathan Ashworth CBE
Former Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
Angela Rippon CBE
Broadcaster
Carolyn Harris MP
Deputy Chair, CSJ
Joe Robertson MP
Conservative MP for Isle of Wight East
Avnish Goyal CBE
Chair & Founder of Hallmark Foundation
Caryn Hibbert
Businesswoman
Lowell
Zink
“I’m delighted to be chairing the Beyond Midlife Commission at the CSJ. For too long we’ve overlooked people midlife and older despite their experiences and their resilience. This comes at great cost to individuals, companies, and the government. Now is the time to challenge these assumptions. This Commission will put forward practical ways for people to stay secure, valued, and economically active as they age.”
Liz Earle MBE
“I’ve met many women who feel alienated in midlife, when they still have so much to contribute. A significant proportion of new claimants, on out of work benefits each working day, are 50-64 year old women. There is no better time for this Commission to listen to the real experiences of people facing obstacles in ‘the work place’ and ensure midlife is seen as a time of renewed possibility instead of decline.”
Lady Stewart