News, events and articles

Pension Credit: Why Are We Still Here?

With the news that nearly one million people are missing out on Pension Credit, Society Matters Trainer Gareth Newman unpacks why, despite repeated attempts by government, so many pensioners are not claiming this vital support…

2026 Welfare Benefit Rates

2026 Welfare Benefit Rates Poster

Shut Out: The Quiet Reality of ‘Gatekeeping’ in Britain’s Homelessness System

Adam Matthews, Social Delivery Manager at Society Matters, explores how people in housing crisis are being turned away at the very point they seek help—and what this means for frontline professionals.

The Quiet Struggle of Claiming Disability Living Allowance for Children

Adam Matthews, Social Delivery Manager at Society Matters, explores the hidden barriers facing families claiming Disability Living Allowance for children — and why a system built on statutory tests too often fails to translate the realities of disabled childhood into accessible entitlement.

The End of Section 21: What the End of “No-Fault” Evictions Really Mean for Renters and Landlords

In this month’s article, Adam Matthews, Social Delivery Manager at Society Matters, unpacks the looming abolition of Section 21 notices. From key deadlines to what replaces no-fault evictions, he explores how the reforms will reshape the relationship between renters and landlords in England.

The Incoming Cuts to Universal Credit: A Line in the Sand for Sick and Disabled Claimants

In this month’s article Social Delivery Manager, Adam Matthews, talks about his concerns about the upcoming cuts and to Universal Credit for some people with disabilities and long term health conditions from next April.

A Budget with a Conscience: Why the End of the Two-Child Rule Matters

In this issue, Social Delivery Manager Adam Matthews breaks down what the end of the two-child limit means for families and looks at the other major Budget changes shaping the financial outlook for people across the country. 

Access to Work: What You Need to Know – Free Recorded Webinar

Couldn’t join our live session? No problem. The full replay of Access to Work: What You Need to Know is now available for you to watch at your convenience. Whether you are catching up or joining for the first time, we encourage you to view the session and stay up to date with the latest updates.

Access to Work: Balancing Support and Sustainability

In this month’s article, Society Matters Trainer Gareth Newman explores the impact of

Access to Work and the changing nature of support in light of prospective changes.

The Real Barriers to Benefits: Why Millions Go Without Support They Deserve

In this thought-provoking article, Adam Matthews, Social Delivery Manager at Society Matters CIC, challenges the persistent political myth that benefits are “too easy to claim.” Drawing on new evidence that more than £24 billion in support will go unclaimed in 2025–26, Adam highlights the real barriers people face when trying to access the help they are entitled to.

Breaking the Cycle: Why Prison Leavers Face Mounting Barriers to Stability

In this month’s article, Social Delivery Manager Adam Matthews explores the issues prisoners face that prevent them reintegrating into society…

In Case You Missed It: Changes to the Immigration System WEBINAR

Missed our live session? Watch the full replay of Changes to the Immigration System and stay informed on the latest developments affecting immigration in the UK.

Our upcoming webinar on ‘Navigating the July 2025 Visa Shake-Up’

Are you ready for the UK’s latest immigration changes?

Join us for a practical, friendly, and informative webinar hosted by Society Matters CIC, designed to help you make sense of the sweeping immigration reforms introduced in July 2025.

What’s changing in UK Housing policy? WEBINAR

Across the UK, housing remains one of the most pressing social challenges. Millions of people live in homes that fall short of basic standards – whether due to poor conditions, affordability issues, or limited availability. The impact of inadequate housing reaches far beyond bricks and mortar, affecting health, employment, education, and overall wellbeing.

Upskill Your Team This August – Save 10% on All Training Courses

At Society Matters CIC, we believe that knowledge is one of the most powerful tools for creating lasting change. Whether you’re working on the frontlines of social justice or supporting vulnerable communities behind the scenes, having the right training can make all the difference.

That’s why we’re offering an exclusive 10% discount on all training courses booked throughout August – giving you the perfect opportunity to invest in your team’s development.

Free School Meals, But At What Cost?

In this month’s article, Society Matters Trainer Gareth Newman sets out the impact of the government’s announcement of the expansion of Free School Meals to all families on Universal Credit and what it means for the government’s upcoming child poverty strategy…

The Benefits reforms debate

Society Matters’ Social Delivery Manager Adam Matthews addresses the potential upcoming welfare cuts and why the government’s proposal has sparked significant political debate.

In recent weeks, a significant revolt has erupted within the UK Labour Party regarding proposed welfare benefit cuts, specifically targeting entitlements to Personal Independence Payments (PIP) and Universal Credit. This internal dissent underscores broader debates about social welfare, government austerity policies, and the political landscape’s evolving nature.

Work Coaches and employment support reforms for disabled people

Where do Work Coaches fit in the government’s employment support reforms for disabled people?

In the Pathways to Work Green Paper, the government outlined additional support available from work coaches to support people into employment. Society Matters Trainer, Gareth Newman, takes us through those changes examines whether there are enough work coaches themselves to rise to the challenge?

The Costs of Disability

With the government announcing fundamental reforms of benefits meant to support those with disabilities, chiefly Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Limited Capability for Work Related Activity (LCWRA) on Universal Credit, Society Matters Trainer Gareth Newman takes us through the costs of having a disability, and what these changes will mean for people facing those additional costs.

The Welfare Benefit System

We’ve refreshed, updated and renamed our “Get to Grips with Understanding Welfare Benefits” course as “The Welfare Benefit System”—a name that better reflects its comprehensive approach to navigating the entire welfare benefits system. The new course has this month been CPD accredited to assure our usual high quality learning experience.

Rushing Reform: The Risks of the DWP’s ESA to Universal Credit Migration

We have already seen significant issues with people struggling to navigate the managed migration process from other legacy benefits. 28% of Tax Credit ‘only’ claimants that were sent a Migration Notice, didn’t make a new claim for Universal Credit within the deadline. This resulted in claimants losing £300 a month on average, a significant amount which can have devasting effects on households already struggling with the “cost of living”.

Navigating the final stages of Universal Credit transition

Where do we currently stand? Well, as of January 2025, Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is in the final stages of transitioning all claimants from legacy benefits to Universal Credit (UC), a process known as managed migration. This initiative aims to consolidate multiple benefits into a single, streamlined payment system which is Universal Credit. Citizens Advice has seen a huge spike in people needing support and being anxious about the transition across the UK.

Ofgem’s Proposed Changes to the Energy Sector

The effects of the energy crisis of the last few years continue to be felt up and down the UK and while energy prices have stabilised, people still face energy bills significantly higher than what they were previously.

What does the Budget mean for Crisis Support?

The Budget was the government’s chance to begin to fix these issues, but how effective is it when it comes to helping people needing what the Society Matters group call ‘crisis support?’

Our reaction to the 2024 Autumn Budget

Let’s begin with the positives. The Chancellor announced a 77p increase in the National minimum wage, which will take effect in April 2025.

New opportunity as Social Delivery Manager with Society Matters – apply by Friday!

We’d like to share an opportunity to become Social Delivery Manager with Society Matters. There is only a short turn around for this ad, and you have until 1st November to respond!

The cost of Caring: The reality of poverty among unpaid carers

With debate continuing on around the scandal of the DWP chasing carers, a subset of the population significantly more likely to live in poverty, for sometimes thousands of pounds in overpayment of Carers Allowance, Society Matters wanted to take some time to examine ‘the people behind the process,’ unpack some shocking statistics and think about the lived experiences of those carers who often exist at the fringes of society.

Spotlight on prisoners – What is the state of the prison estate?

What happens to a person’s benefit entitlement in prison, and what impact might this have on the families a prisoner leaves behind?

Our breakdown of The King’s Speech 2024

With the recent State Opening of Parliament, this heralds the first term of a new Labour government since 1997. The King’s Speech outlined the legislative agenda for the upcoming parliamentary year and set out the new government’s priorities. Society Matters Trainer Gareth Newman takes us through what the announcements could mean for us all in practice.

Benefits suspensions – Caught in the net

‘Benefit suspensions in cases of fraud do not affect many of the clients we deal with day to day, but we know that where they are affected, they are acutely vulnerable to hardship.’

Managed Migration – What claimants need to know before the Dec 24 deadline

‘By September 2024, the DWP will be contacting 440,000 households that claim tax credits and receive income support, income-based jobseekers Allowance and Housing benefit.’

Our reaction to the 2024 Spring Budget

“Whilst some measures are certainly welcome, it’s difficult to escape the view that this represents a ‘tinkering at the edges’ when more direct intervention is needed.”

No-fault evictions – what’s the plan?

Getting it right, Social Landlords and Awaab’s Law

The Human Cost of the UK’s Immigration Policies: What do the new UK visa rules mean for multinational families?

Our trainer Gareth explores the potential consequences of the government’s proposed new visa rules and the human and financial costs in this article on ‘The Human Cost of the UK’s Immigration Policies.

Boosting Social Prescribing Effectiveness: Training on UK Benefits

Society Matters, Programme Director, Phill Capewell talks about the importance of boosting social prescribing effectiveness and the crucial role Social prescribers play across the UK.

Getting to Grips with Pension Credit

Pension Credit is a top up available to people of State Pension age who are living on low incomes to help with living costs.

Getting to Grips with PIP reviews and the current backlog of cases 

In this article, Training Manager Adam Matthews gives us the lowdown on PIP Reviews, shares some useful tips, and explores the devastating effects on the current backlog and waiting times for decisions being made for people on PIP.

Getting to Grips with Changes to Childcare and Universal Credit

Adam Matthews, the Training Manager at Society Matters, delivers a compelling analysis of the key changes the childcare element of Universal Credit. Insights into the present state of childcare in the UK are provided along with key strategies to ensure individuals receive the full extent of the support they rightfully deserve.

We have 5 Brand New CPD Accredited courses and workshops! 

We are very excited to announce that 5 of our brand new courses have this week been CPD accredited!

Welcome Karleen Dowden to the Society Matters team!

Society Matters cic is pleased to announce the appointment of Karleen Dowden as a new non-executive director.

Spring Budget: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly in 3 graphs

Society Matters Social Welfare Instructor Adam Matthews gives us a quick overview on Wednesday’s Spring budget.

Give the gift of time to improve workforce financial wellbeing

Employers may not recognise the power they have to support their workforce to improve their financial wellbeing beyond the obvious pay and benefits package, so Society Matters is on a mission to change that.

Could your seasonal payroll goodwill be fuelling the January Blues?

We’re reading so many reports of people dreading Christmas this year, wondering how on earth, with costs continuing to soar, they can stretch already tight budgets to pay for festive treats for the family.

How much does it cost to work at your place?

Employers are being encouraged to think about the costs associated with being at work to aim to help employees to reduce their expenditure.

In conversation with … Sir James Mackey

In this 20 minute podcast brought to you by Society Matters you can hear the wisdom of the leader of one of the North East’s biggest employers when Sir Jim Mackey, Chief Executive of Northumbria Healthcare Foundation Trust, shares his thoughts with Jayne Graham MBE on in-work poverty and what employers can do to help.

PRESS RELEASE: New partnership to work with employers to tackle child poverty in the North of Tyne

Employers across the North of Tyne will be invited to participate in a programme to tackle child poverty in the region thanks to a partnership between North of Tyne Combined Authority (NTCA) and the social enterprise Society Matters cic.

What does the Chancellor’s Cost of Living Support package mean in practice?

On 26 May 2022 the Chancellor announced a number of important packages of support for people in the UK in an attempt to combat the ever-increasing impact of the cost of living crisis. But what does this mean in practice? Who and how will the Cost of Living Support package help?

What you need to know about the Universal Credit migration roller coaster

The ‘managed migration’ of claimants to welfare benefit Universal Credit is set to restart this month. This short article gives you an easy explanation of what you need to know to make sure the people who need your help get the information they need.

How to build a social enterprise by playing to your strengths

Social Entrepreneur Jayne Graham MBE talks to Social Enterprise UK about how to build a social enterprise by playing to your strengths, and tells the story of how Society Matters was born.

Why our courses can now earn you CPD points

Why our courses can now earn you CPD points. You asked, and we delivered

Jayne Graham MBE FIEP talks to IEP about the value of volunteering

MD of Society Matters cic Jayne Graham MBE FIEP, newly appointed as a Fellow of the Institute of Employability Professionals, leads a webinar discussion about how volunteering is a powerful route to employment and employability.

Autumn Budget Changes to Universal Credit Explained in 5 minutes

Autumn Budget Changes to Universal Credit Explained in 5 minute Knowledge Booster video podcast.

Bitesize Benefits Briefing 30.9.21

In this 4 minute podcast Social Welfare Instructor Adam Matthews give us an update on benefits changes that are designed to help people who are terminally ill through extending the period defined by terminal illness.

Carers Matter …

There are an estimated 6 million carers in the UK as of January 2021. What are the financial realities of being a carer and 4 practical things that carers can do to maximise their income.

Bitesize Benefits Briefing 6.8.21 / Universal Credit uplift is ending

Universal Credit £20 uplift is due to end on 30th September. What does that really mean to the people it will affect most? Adam Matthews talked through the implications with Jayne Graham

Now more than ever housing is an employment issue

Right now, it’s reported that 17.5 million people in Britain are facing a housing emergency, 22 million if we include children. As a safe and secure home is a mainstay of every day life, we explore how this housing tidal wave can affect both those looking for work and people who are already in a job.

Choice. Confusion. Change. Why families are not accessing DLA benefit for children.

DLA for children is a benefit that’s massively underclaimed, albeit there’s a real need for financial support for families with children who are disabled or have special support needs.

Housing Matters workshop training launching in June

In light of the ending of the eviction ban which was put in place to protect tenants from eviction during the pandemic, people need more support now than ever to stay in their homes, so Society Matters cic has designed another social welfare training course in response – ‘Housing Matters’.

Bellway Homes sponsors Universal Credit training for charities

Building company Bellway has sponsored Universal Credit training for local charities

Has the £20 Universal Credit uplift extension just kicked the can further down the street?

Lunchtime Listen: Jayne Graham talks about careers in the community & voluntary sector

I’m on a mission to make a difference …

Liz Reid, Non-Executive Director of Society Matters cic, explains why she’s proud to be part of a social enterprise that is adding real social value.

Team helps IEP members with Universal Credit Webinar

A career in the Community and Voluntary Sector, really?

Jayne Graham explores the CVS and career prospects in the sector.

Call for Community and Voluntary sector to complete short skills survey

The team at Society Matters needs to understand the gaps that exist because they are looking for ways to support the sector at a time when investing in training is not currently on the agenda

Do welfare benefits propel or prevent employment?

An exploration of how welfare benefits, although often cast as hindering employability, can actually enable employment for millions of people in the UK, and a call to action for a change of attitude to remove the stigma associated with welfare benefits for the benefit of those claiming them.

PIP Claims and how to get the basics right

The stakes are high when you’re supporting someone with a PIP Claim. We explore 5 key factors that will improve your chances of making a successful claim.

Survival of the fittest? Disability benefits in practice

A high proportion of claims for Personal Independence Payments are unsuccessful. Is the claims process for this disability benefit ironically designed for the survival of the fittest?

Durham business funds community social welfare training

A family-owned funeral service is the latest business to ‘pay it forward’ in partnership with Society Matters.

Society Matters cic and North East Chamber of Commerce: Perfect Partners

Society Matters cic is a proud member of the North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC) and we are thrilled to be highlighted in their ‘Meet the Member’ feature.

We’re now Corporate Affiliate Partners of the Institute of Employability Professionals

Society Matters cic has joined the Institute of Employability Professionals. We mobilise knowledge to make the system work for everyone so supporting the people and organisations that are focused on removing barriers to employment is a huge priority for us.

Gateshead businesses support local army veterans’ charity to deepen their impact

Gateshead company Geek Talent has become the first to donate to a new ‘Pay it Forward’ Charity Discount Fund Scheme recently launched by Gateshead social enterprise Society Matters cic.

Your employees need you to Get Business Ready for Universal Credit …

Society Matters cic is launching its Get Business Ready for Universal Credit workshop with a free course for employers across the North East region to take place on Wednesday 12th August between 4 and 6.30 pm.

Don’t take it from us. This is what our customers have said about our Get to Grips with PIP online training course!

Our customers tell us what they think about our Get to Grips with PIP online training course in these short video messages.

6 things employers need to think about before making staff redundant

Here are the top 6 pieces of advice employment law and discrimination specialist Richard Owen would offer to employers to ensure they don’t fall foul of their legal responsibilities to their staff during these difficult times

Covid19 has infected the very foundations of our society

If you think in terms of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, we really have seen the Covid-19 virus has infected society’s absolute foundations, with people’s basic physical and security needs being thoroughly tested.

Employment Tribunals continue digitally during Covid19 pandemic

Although from our own discussions with clients it seems the general assumption is that, like the courts, the Tribunals are not operating during the pandemic, this isn’t the case

Will the pandemic help us to get a grip of Universal Credit?

Social Welfare Instructor Adam Matthews talks through the learning about Universal Credit that the pandemic has offered to Government

Why we need to make sure the system works for everyone

In this short video Director of Society Matters cic, Jayne Graham MBE, gives us a little insight into why Society Matters is playing such an important role in making the social welfare system work, and how you can get involved.

Pay It Forward Charity Discount Fund launches

Society Matters is launching a Pay It Forward Discount Fund to help community and voluntary sector organisations to access important social welfare training.

10 point checklist for employers worried about getting back-to-business

10 point checklist to help socially responsible employers to plan
getting back to business as we start to move into Covid-19 recovery.

What it means to be a ‘socially responsible corporate’

We think there doesn’t need to be much of a gap between the objectives of sound marketing strategy and a well-planned commitment to championing social value.

Northumbrian Water gives thumbs up to online UC training

Society Matters has taken its unique Universal Credit training online and Northumbrian Water is their first satisfied customer