voluntary sector

Report based on qualitative research involving focus groups with volunteers and patients, in-depth interviews with commissioners and providers of health and social care services, and a scenario analysis conducted with a workshop of invited experts. It also draws on a review of published evidence and benefited from the insights of an external advisory group. 

The first part of this report shares the experiences of voluntary organisations, and one local authority, involved in the transformation of public services. There are some learning points from the Work Programme and Community Budgets but its main focus is on sharing best practice and innovation. This includes coproduction in commissioning, large and small organisations working in consortia, and the use of open-data to increase accountability.

This short handbook on measuring well-being is produced by the Centre for Well-being at nef (the new economics foundation) with input from nef consulting. It is designed primarily for voluntary organisations and community groups delivering projects and services, to help them kick-start the process of measuring well-being outcomes.

The Research and Policy team enables the Wise Group to influence Westminster, Holyrood and other decision makers’ policies more effectively, and to contribute to the Wise Group’s continuous development through gaining a more sophisticated understanding of the needs of its client groups.

Report produced for social care organisations, in collaboration with some of its partners – In Control, Community Service Volunteers (CSV), the Association of Directors of Adult Services (ADASS), Shared Lives Plus and the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE).

One of three related papers which explore the distinctive contribution which the not-for-profit sector makes to social care. It explores the importance of an effective and committed workforce in delivering good quality care, and shows how the not-for-profit sector is leading the way in developing sustainable policy and best practice.

Review which aims to establish the existing state of knowledge of the role of the third sector in delivering social care, and identify the research agenda which emerges from this.

Report that provides a best estimate of the extent of reductions in public funding that the children’s voluntary sector can expect to see over the next five years. It takes the debate beyond the cuts, and, based on consultation with NCB’s network members, explores how children’s charities are responding and adapting to austerity measures and the barriers they face to doing so.

Finally, it offers recommendations for what can be done to ensure that children, young people and families – and the statutory sector – can continue to benefit from a thriving charity sector.

The political profile of volunteering has risen sharply in the last decade as a key part of strategies related to civic renewal and building stronger communities. In particular, a range of initiatives have aimed to encourage young people to engage in volunteering.