Current projects

Our current projects include: 

For more information about our projects or to discuss working with us, please contact Leila Baker, Research Manager: leila@ivar.org.uk or 020 7380 3008.

Anchors Strategic Development Programme

The Anchors Strategic Development Programme (ASDP) is a three-year project funded by The City Bridge Trust and run by Locality. Each year, five Locality members receive a strategic review from IVAR and form a cohort for a series of five group learning sessions which focus on common challenges arising from the reviews e.g. strategic planning, governance, change management.

Completion date: June 2012

Association of Charitable Foundations (ACF) strategic review

We are working with trustees, staff and members of ACF to conduct a strategic review to support the development of its next strategic plan for
2012-2015.

Completion date: January 2012

Evaluation of Paul Hamlyn and Unbound Philanthropy Supported Options Fund

We are carrying out a two-year evaluation of the Supported Options Fund for Young People with Irregular Immigration Status. Taking a collaborative approach to evaluation, we will work closely with the funders to assess whether and how the programme is meeting its aims and outcomes and where adjustments can be made. The Fund is a Special Initiative of the Paul Hamlyn Foundation Social Justice Programme, carried out in partnership with Unbound Philanthropy, which seeks to develop and test more effective ways of delivering support to young people and children with irregular immigration status.

Completion date: January 2014

Evaluation of 'Right Here'

We are working with the Tavistock Institute to undertake a process evaluation of ‘Right Here’, a joint project by the Mental Health Foundation (MHF) and Paul Hamlyn Foundation (PHF). Right Here is a three-year programme aiming to bring about radical change to how the mental health and wellbeing of young people aged 16 to 25 is looked after. It works with young people, frontline youth charities and mental health services in four local areas (Brighton, Belfast, Newham and Sheffield) to develop new ways of providing support to those aged 16 to 25. The Tavistock Institute is conducting an evaluation of the work undertaken by, and with, young people in the local partnerships. IVAR is examining the overall collaboration between MHF and PHF at specific time points over the three years.

Completion date: March 2012

Examining hidden homelessness in Bristol 

We are working with Barton Hill Settlement and St Mungos - Bristol (the lead partner) on a study commissioned by Bristol City Council to carry out an action research project in five Lower Super Output Areas in Bristol. The project aims to uncover the experience of hidden homelessness in resident households; and to identify barriers to resolve hidden homelessness. The study sits within a wider national initiative led by the Cabinet Office, which focuses on resolving multiple disadvantage.

Locality integration support

Having facilitated the merger of bassac and the DTA, we are currently providing support and guidance to trustess and staff during Locality's first year.

Completion date: April 2012

Merger studies

We are currently involved in researching, supporting and facilitating a number of voluntary and community sector mergers across England. 

Ongoing

One-2-One Support for Gypsy Traveller Groups

The One-2-One Support Project is funded by the Travellers Aid Trust and Tudor Trust. IVAR is working with eight Gypsy and Traveller groups to provide organisational reviews with the aim of developing the capacity of groups to be sustainable and better able to attract funding.

Completion date: May 2012

Organisational and strategic support for organisations funded by Tudor Trust and LankellyChase Foundation

We provide tailored support to grantees of the Tudor Trust and LankellyChase Foundation on an ongoing basis.

Ongoing

Perceptions of the public benefit requirement in the Charities Act 2006

We are the lead partner on a study for the Charity Commission. Working with the Centre for Voluntary Sector Research (CVSR) at Sheffield Hallam University, the research will analyse perceptions, knowledge and experience of the impact on charities of the renewed emphasis on the public benefit requirement in the Charities Act 2006.

Completion date: May 2012

Recession Watch 

Recession Watch is a two-year research project that aims to generate and share learning about changes in grant need and grant making in the context of a rapidly changing and challenging operating environment - with a view to modifying or changing practices and relationships.

We are working with six funders: Comic Relief, Cripplegate Foundation, The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund, Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, Henry Smith Charity and the Tudor Trust. In year one we will interview 60 grant holders (10 from each participating trust), organise shared learning sessions with the participating funders and carry out further dissemination activity with the Association of Charitable Foundations (ACF).

Completion date: November 2013