The Forgotten 40 Initiative
The INEOS Forgotten 40 initiative, supported by INEOS, is a long‑term social investment programme designed to address the structural and persistent impacts of childhood poverty in the United Kingdom.
Launched in 2020, the initiative responds to evidence that a significant and growing proportion of children – approaching 40% nationally – experience deprivation that negatively affects educational attainment, health, and long‑term life outcomes. The programme sits within INEOS’ broader sustainability strategy, supporting social inclusion, equality of opportunity, and resilient communities, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly:
It is the best and most effective anti-poverty project I have ever witnessed in 50 years working with schools serving disadvantaged areas.
INEOS’ approach reflects the Group’s wider ESG philosophy: focusing on practical action, local expertise, and measurable outcomes rather than prescriptive, top-down interventions.
The Forgotten 40 complements INEOS’ environmental and workforce commitments by addressing social risks that can undermine long-term societal stability and economic participation.
The Forgotten 40 programme provides direct funding to primary schools located in postcodes ranked within the lowest decile of the UK Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD).