Policy Exchange was formed in 2002 as an independent, non-partisan educational charity and think tank which works with academics and policy makers from across the political spectrum. It seeks to apply localist, volunteer and free market solutions to public policy questions, and conducts research programmes in the policy areas of health, education, energy and environment, crime and justice, welfare, housing policy, family policy and security. It has often been considered one of Britain's most influential think tanks on the right.