The Beckley Foundation was founded in 2000 by Amanda Feilding, Lady Neidpath, who is its director. It is run from its headquarters at Beckley Park outside Oxford where Amanda regularly holds meetings with scientists and policymakers. Occasionally, the Beckley hosts larger get-togethers at Stanway in Gloucesteshire.

The Beckley Foundation is a charitable trust set up to promote the investigation of consciousness and its modulation, and the science of drug use, from a multidisciplinary perspective. It is one of the few organisations that actively supports and promotes investigations into consciousness and its changing states. Through its Science Programme, the foundation initiates, develops and supports world-class research that will improve not only scientific understanding but also health and well being.

In addition to the research programme, the foundation also organises seminars to promote informed debate of the many issues surrounding drugs, and conducts a policy research programme dedicated to providing a rigorous, independent review of global drug policy, and exploring ways in which drug policy can be more effective in reducing the harms associated with the misuse of drugs.