Increasing collaboration and connection between think tanks
The Smart Thinking Think Tank Network was established in 2022 to bring together think tanks from across the UK sector and help them collaborate, share knowledge and pool resources. Within the membership network we now have 7 regular networks, covering every role in a think tank, meeting every quarter. As the membership has grown these networks have developed into established and effective forums for think tankers to have honest discussions about the challenges they are facing in their role, discuss new ideas and offer each other support, advice and recommendations.
Alongside the networks we have developed our own unique training programme that provides both in-person training and monthly webinars specifically tailored to those working in think tanks, with a focus on the core skills that think tankers need to develop and improve. A wide range of think tanks attend the same courses so the networking and peer-to-peer learning continues outside the networks. Our training programme enables organisations to provide regular professional development for their staff.
As the membership has expanded it has also played a more central role in developing resources and other groups useful to the sector as a whole. We now offer members a cross-think tank mentoring scheme, an annual salary benchmarking report, regulation working group, knowledge bank and member website and ad hoc bespoke training as needed.
The membership has been designed so that there is a network, training or resources for you whether you work in research, communications,events, fundraising or operations and whether you are in your first role in a think tank or the Chief Executive.
Pricing is based on the number of full time employees. To find out more about becoming a member, visit our ST Member website or email Emily on emily@smartthinking.org.uk
Benefits
- Monthly expert webinars on topics across research, comms and operations
- In-person intensive training sessions
- Member website and knowledge bank
- Salary benchmarking
- Mentoring scheme
- Networking events for all staff including heads of research meeting, operations network, events network, senior comms network and researcher network
- 15% off all job adverts on Smart Thinking Jobs
- Buddy system to informally build your professional network
MEMBER ONLY
Upcoming training
The in-person training sessions are the only part of the membership available to both members and non-members however members have priority booking, receive complimentary tickets to training in their annual subscription and are entitled to a heavily discounted member-only ticket price after that. Our core training topics include media training, public speaking, writing for impact, fundraising fundamentals, people management and strategic communications and we are continually adding new sessions. Find more details on our training programme here.
Strategic comms training (part 2)
30 January 2026
9.30am – 1.30pm
Do you work in think tank communications? Do you want to become more strategic in your work? Are you looking for some ideas on how to professionalise and boost the impact of your work? Then this course is for you!
Members £220 (+VAT) Non-members £395 (+VAT)
Writing for impact training (part 1)
19 February 2026
9.30am – 1.30pm
Want to make your writing more compelling? To understand the fundamentals of good writing? Do you work with data but need to practise how to weave it into a narrative? This training session has all this and more.
Members £220 (+VAT) Non-members £395 (+VAT)
MEMBER ONLY
Upcoming webinars
How think tanks can use Big Data for research
22 January 2026 11am – 12pm
Big data has changed what’s possible for think tanks but more data doesn’t always mean better data. Paul Swinney, Chief Economist at The Data City, will explore how big data is changing policy research and how to make the most of it.
Member only (FREE)
How Chatham House went from broadcasting to strategic communications
24 February 2026 11am – 12pm
David Watson, former Chatham House Communications Director, will discuss how they went from output dissemination to strategic communications, increasing website traffic by 2 million visitors and doubling media hits along the way.
Member only (FREE)
ST membership curates interesting opportunities to connect, share experiences and learn
“I really see Smart Thinking as part of our team. They provide excellent training and resources across a wide range of areas, from fundraising to salary benchmarking. They have also created a think tank community that is incredibly helpful both as a sounding board and sharing best practice. Emily does a terrific job in bringing together the think tank community in a way that is accessible, supportive and worthwhile for my team at all levels.”
Theo Bertram, Director, Social Market Foundation
“Our Smart Thinking membership has been invaluable, and we have benefited from the excellent networks it provides, from operations and events to CEO lunches that enable us to connect and share important insights. Across the organisation, our staff have also found Smart Thinking’s programme of training and webinars incredibly helpful and provide excellent value for money.”
Natalie Perera, CEO, Education Policy Institute
Join our current members and access all the latest think tank training and events
