Sam Avanzo Windett

Deputy Director

As Deputy Director, Sam focuses on making an impact on policy and practice through L&W’s research into learning, skills and employment. Previously, Sam was Director of Policy for Impetus, specialising in education and employment support for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Sam co-founded the Youth Employment Group, bringing together key leaders and experts around the youth employment sector to help drive the UK’s response. Previously, Sam was Head of Policy at ERSA, the representative body for the employment support sector, and led the public affairs teams for employment and skills providers in the private and charity sectors. Sam is a GoLab Fellow of Practice 2021 and a Mental Health First Aider.

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16 December 2025

Responding to Alan Milburn’s investigation into young people not earning or learning

Employment Young people News & articles

Sam Avanzo Windett, Deputy Director at Learning and Work Institute, responds to the launch of Alan Milburn’s investigation into young people not earning or learning.

24 September 2025

Responding to DWP’s announcement on Youth Hubs

Employment News & articles

Learning and Work Institute deputy director Sam Avanzo Windett responds to DWP’s expansion of the Youth Hub scheme and its partnership with football clubs to help young people into work.

19 December 2024

What is healthy home and hybrid working?

Better work Reports & briefings

This research, commissioned by Health Equals, sets out the evidence on healthy home and hybrid workplaces, with particular consideration of the impact on underserved groups.

26 November 2024

Healthier working lives

Better work Employment Reports & briefings

Commissioned by Health Equals, this paper is aimed at local governments to help them consider the actions they can take to improve the working health of their residents.

17 October 2024

What support helps disabled people and people with health conditions move into sustainable work?

Better work Employment Reports & briefings

This research, commissioned by Health Equals, showcases effective practice and sets out recommendations to meet the social and economic imperative to help disabled people and people with long-term health conditions into work.

10 September 2024

The Rising Cost of Living and Access to Adult Education in London

Lifelong learning Reports & briefings

This research, commissioned by the Greater London Authority (GLA), explores the views of Londoners most affected by the rising costs of living towards adult education and skills training, and the impact on their learning.

28 June 2024

New Futures: Four nations policy recommendations

Lifelong learning Reports & briefings

This report draws together insights from our New Futures pilot programme, funded by the Covid-19 Support Fund, and gives recommendations for governments of the four UK nations on how to support career change.

2 August 2023

The future of work: protected characteristics in a changing workplace

Better work Reports & briefings

The EHRC has commissioned L&W to conduct research into the major drivers of changes in the world of work. This report looks at the impact of three long-term British labour market trends on people with certain protected characteristics.

19 July 2022

The power of potential: Supporting the future of ‘NEET’ young people in the labour market

Employment Young people Reports & briefings

This report investigates the characteristics, circumstances and challenges faced by young people who are NEET – both those who are economically inactive and those who are seeking employment, but have been unable to secure jobs.

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Sam Avanzo Windett

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