NATIONAL CAMPAIGN · 2026

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Programme · In development

National Intergenerational Engagement Standards for Care Homes.

A pioneering new framework being co-produced with people living in care, families, professionals, young people and academic partners – strengthening how meaningful connection across generations is delivered and recognised across UK care.

Why we need these standards

Strong enthusiasm. Inconsistent practice.

Recent research carried out by NAPA in partnership with the University of Chichester and the University of Hertfordshire reveals a clear pattern across the care sector: enthusiasm for intergenerational engagement is widespread, but practice is fragmented.

Without shared standards, care services can face real challenges navigating key areas  –  particularly safeguarding, consent and positive risk-taking. Many care homes are already delivering inspiring intergenerational initiatives, but with no national framework, it’s difficult to share what works, build on best practice, or evidence quality consistently.

These new standards will change that.

What the standards will deliver

Practical, evidence-based, ready to use.

A clear quality framework

National standards defining what good intergenerational engagement looks like in practice – from one-off events to embedded programmes.

Safeguarding guidance

Clear, practical guidance on safeguarding, consent and positive risk-taking when bringing people of different ages together.

Quality indicators

Practical benchmarks services can use to measure their own practice, evidence quality to inspectors, and identify areas for development.

Sector-wide consistency

A shared language and framework that allows services, funders, regulators and academic partners to talk about quality the same way.

The Hallmark Foundation is a UK charitable foundation focused on ageing well and improving care for older people. It was established as an independent charity in 2020 and is closely associated with the care sector through its founder, Avnish Goyal, who is also Executive Chairman of Hallmark Care Homes.

Supported By

Hallmark Foundation

“Intergenerational engagement has the power to transform lives, not only for older people living in care, but for younger generations and communities as a whole. This programme is an important opportunity to embed that connection into everyday practice, ensuring it is not seen as an optional extra but as a fundamental part of high-quality relational care. Residents of Hallmark Luxury Care Homes have already seen what a difference bringing all ages together can make. We are proud to support this project with NAPA and look forward to seeing its impact across the care sector and beyond.” 

Avnish Goyal CBE, chair of Hallmark Foundation

How we're building it

Co-produced with the people who matter most.

These standards are not being written for the sector. They are being built with it.

Throughout development, we’re working alongside the people whose experience matters most: people living in care settings, their families, activity and care professionals, young people and community partners, and academic researchers from the University of Chichester and the University of Hertfordshire.

This approach takes longer than commissioning a consultancy. But it produces something fundamentally different  –  standards that are evidence-based, practical, relevant, and rooted in the real-life experience of the people who’ll use them every day.

"This programme represents an important step forward in recognising the value of intergenerational connection in care. By building these standards with the sector, we're ensuring they reflect what really works - and that every care home has the framework it needs to deliver this work brilliantly."

Hilary Woodhead, Chief Executive, NAPA

Programme partners

Built with academic and sector expertise.

University of Chichester

Research partner contributing to the evidence base on intergenerational engagement in care settings.

University of Hertfordshire

Research partner whose work has helped identify inconsistencies in current practice across the sector.

Sector partners

Care providers, care leaders, families, young people and people living in care  –  co-producing the standards through workshops, interviews and consultation.

2024–25

Standards of Practice already in use

Co-produced and launched

NAPA’s Standards of Practice for Activity Providers are already supporting hundreds of care services across the UK. The new Intergenerational Engagement Standards will complement and extend them  –  strengthening how quality is defined and delivered.

Read about the NAPA Standards of Practice

Get involved

Take part in shaping the standards.

Share your experience

We’re consulting with practitioners and services across the UK. Tell us what’s working, what’s hard, and what guidance would help.

Take part in consultation

Research partnership

We welcome partnership enquiries from researchers and academic institutions interested in intergenerational engagement.

Talk to our research team

Support the programme

Help fund the development, launch and dissemination of these national standards.

Become a programme partner

Intergenerational Standards Consultation Reports

Read the latest consultation reports helping to shape NAPA’s Intergenerational Activity and Engagement Standards for Care Homes.

Consultation Report
Download
Intergenerational Practitioners and Specialists Focus Group Consultation Report
Exploring expert and practitioner perspectives on the development of NAPA’s Intergenerational Activity and Engagement Standards for Care Homes.
Read more >
Intergenerational
Consultation Report
Download
Intergenerational Practitioners and Specialists Focus Group Consultation Report
Exploring expert and practitioner perspectives on the development of NAPA’s Intergenerational Activity and Engagement Standards for Care Homes.
Read more >
Intergenerational
Consultation Report
Download
Activity Providers Focus Group Consultation Report
Activity Providers share their experiences and practical insights to help shape NAPA’s Intergenerational Activity and Engagement Standards for Care Homes.
Read more >
Intergenerational
Consultation Report
Download
Young Adults’ Focus Group Consultation Report
Young adults share their experiences, perspectives and ideas to help shape intergenerational practice that is meaningful, safe, inclusive and mutually beneficial for every generation.
Read more >
Intergenerational
Evidence
Download
NAPA evidence to the APPG inquiry on loneliness
NAPA has submitted evidence to the APPG inquiry on loneliness, highlighting the role meaningful intergenerational relationships can play in reducing loneliness, strengthening connection and supporting a sense of belonging.
Read more >
Intergenerational

Programme timeline

Where we are. What comes next.

Intergenerational Engagement Standards Programme launched with academic partners.
2026Programme launch
Consultation, workshops and co-production with people living in care, families, practitioners and young people. (Current phase.)
2026 Co-production
Draft standards published for sector-wide consultation.
2027Draft standards
Final National Intergenerational Engagement Standards launched and rolled out across the sector.
2027-28Launch