Who we are

The Fabian Society is Britain’s oldest political think tank. Since 1884 the society has played a central role in developing political ideas and public policy on the left. It aims to promote: greater equality of power, wealth and opportunity; the value of collective action and public service; an accountable, tolerant and active democracy; citizenship, liberty and human rights; sustainable development; and multilateral international cooperation. 

Through a wide range of publications and events the society influences political and public thinking, but also provides a space for broad and open-minded debate, drawing on an unrivalled external network and its own expert research and analysis. Its programme offers a unique breadth, encompassing national conferences and policy seminars; periodicals, books, reports and digital communications; and commissioned and in-house research and comment.

The society is alone among think tanks in being a democratically-constituted membership organisation, with almost 7,000 members. During its history the membership has included many of the key thinkers on the British left and every Labour Prime Minister. Today it counts over 200 parliamentarians in its number. Member-led activity includes 70 local Fabian societies, the Scottish and Welsh Fabians, the Fabian Women’s Network and the Young Fabians, which is itself the leading organisation on the left for young people to debate and influence political ideas.

The society was one of the original founders of the Labour Party and is constitutionally affiliated to the party. It is however editorially, organisationally and financially independent and works with a wide range of partners of all political persuasions and none.

Fabian Women

From its beginning the Fabian Society has offered a forum for women to discuss and debate the issues of the day. Well before women won the vote, Fabian women were at the forefront of the arguments for gender equality. Fabian women formed their own group in 1908 and there continues to be a Fabian Women's Network.

Young Fabians

The Young Fabians are the under-31s section of the Fabian Society and were set up in 1960. They have more than 1000 members and work on policy ideas as well as holding conferences. They hold regular social events, such as their summer party, as well organising seminars with ministers and discussion sessions. Recent activities have included policy roundtables covering areas such as health, education and Europe. The current chair is Adrian Prandle.

Famous members

George Bernard Shaw, HG Wells , Beatrice and Sidney Webb, Emmeline Pankhurst, E Nesbit, Bernard Crick, Rupert Brooke, Oscar Wilde, Peter Townsend, Ernest Bevin and all Labour prime ministers.

Where to find us

The nearest tubes to the Fabian offices are St James Park and Westminster.

For directions

Click here for a map

Contact us

The Fabian Society
11 Dartmouth Street
London SW1H 9BN
020 7227 4917