Policy And Influencing

Literacy changes lives.

From wellbeing and education to employment and community, strong literacy skills open doors. Yet too many people do not have the literacy skills they need to thrive.

What do we do?

When policies aren’t working, laws need reform, or opportunities remain out of reach, we bring the evidence directly to decision-makers at local, regional, devolved and UK-wide levels.

Through briefings, analysis and practice-led recommendations, we make the case for literacy as a powerful tool to break down barriers, improve outcomes and secure positive, lasting change.

Our policy and influencing work ensures literacy remains high on the political agenda – where it belongs.

National Year of Reading

This year, we are supporting communities to Go All In by connecting reading with everyday passions, from sports and music to film and family life. Building on this momentum, we aim to create a long-term legacy that strengthens reading culture well beyond 2026.
Early Words Matter

A child’s earliest years are the most crucial to their future. It is vital that everyone can access the support they need at home and in their communities to ensure every child has the best start in life.
Libraries for Primaries

1 in 7 primary schools across the UK does not have a library – rising to 1 in 4 in disadvantaged areas. Our Libraries for Primaries campaign was founded in 2021 with Penguin Books to end this postcode lottery.
Criminal justice

Literacy can transform lives. We champion reading and learning within the criminal justice system so that prison leavers are empowered to rebuild their lives, reintegrate into communities, and have a bright future.
Reading for pleasure

Reading for pleasure improves wellbeing, strengthens social cohesion, boosts grades, enhances employability, and even drives economic growth – yet in 2025 we recorded a 20-year low amongst children and young people. A year later, and we are starting to see the green shoots of change. We continue to be committed to our mission to reignite a love of reading and change life stories.
Literacies for Life

The future of literacy, and what it means to be literate, is changing. From digital, media and critical literacies to health, financial and political literacies. We want to ensure that everyone has the tools they need to thrive in their daily lives.

Discover more about our work

As experts in children's literacy, we responded to the government's call for evidence to review the curriculum in England and compiled a series of recommendations.
Learn more about Curriculum and Assessment Review in England.
The government’s schools white paper presents a significant opportunity to place literacy at the centre of education reform. Here's our response.
Learn more about Policy: Our response to the schools white paper.
We examine five recommendations which reflect the significance of reading enjoyment and how we can work together to drive lasting change.
Learn more about Education Select Committee report on reading for pleasure: Positive steps towards lasting change for the next generation.

Get in touch with us

If you would like any more information on any of our policy and influencing work, please contact National Literacy Trust Policy and Public Affairs Manager, Helen Rampton at helen.rampton@literacytrust.org.uk