The Work-Life Research Centre was the first organisation of this kind in the UK, a virtual research centre that was highly influential with government and employers. Officially launched in January 2000 with the publication of the Work-Life Manual for employers, it was instrumental in the setting up of the UK Government’s Work-Life Campaign and the development of the Challenge Fund to help employers with culture change and work-life strategy development. It was founded by a multi-disciplinary team consisting of Professor Julia Brannen of the Institute of Education, University of London, Professor Cary Cooper, later at Lancaster University Management School, Lucy Daniels, founding director of Parents At Work, Peter Moss of the Institute of Education, University of London and Professor Suzan Lewis at Manchester Metropolitan University.