What our clients and partners think
This is what our partners and clients think of our work
Karen Peck, Senior Policy Officer for the London Borough of Sutton, says, “As local authority officers we have gained a tremendous amount from our participation in the Partnership Improvement Programme. IVAR has challenged us to break down entrenched ways of working and thinking and our cross sector partnership is much strengthened. IVAR’s ability to keep us on task, to evaluate and to develop further our relationships is second to none. Our joint plan looks to the future with real action points for us all.”
Ben Hughes, Chief Executive of bassac, writes, “IVAR has been formative in changing the way bassac thinks and works. Through their unique application of action research, they’ve provided us with an unequivocal evidence base from which we’ve been able to shape national policy, along with really strengthening the capacity of our members. IVAR has developed a justifiable reputation as being a powerful force in strengthening the voluntary and community sector, and plays a unique role in linking grass roots activity with academia. I couldn’t recommend them more highly as a provider of empirical research that results in fundamental change.”
Reflecting on his experience of working with IVAR, Steve Wyler, CEO of the Development Trusts Association, writes, “IVAR has provided ‘real time evaluation’ for our Community Alliance partnership and also for a joint venture with bassac where we purchased and developed a ‘community hub’ building in London. These are ambitious and complex initiatives and it often feels that we are venturing into uncharted territory. The exceptionally gifted and insightful team at IVAR has illuminated our journey – helping us spot risks and manage them, growing our confidence, and enhancing our ability to share learning with others. Without reservation I commend this approach, and IVAR, in particular.”
Working with IVAR has been a real pleasure: their professionalism and willingness to help are of course what you would expect but they gave so much more, in particular the ability to help us think through complex issues and to bear with us whilst we asked the simple questions. IVAR sticks clearly to agreed processes but within this were flexible in meeting our needs and timeframes, allowing us to deal with the emotions involved in mergers. I would have no hesitation in recommending IVAR, they bring great knowledge and experience in mergers and collaborative working yet recognise the individual nature of each study and give time to deal with the impact such studies have on individuals as well as organisations. Kevin Williams, Chief Executive, TACT (The Adolescent and Children’s Trust)
IVAR’s role in developing, refining and delivering the Partnership Improvement Programme has led to tangible improvements and actions in the way councils and the third sector approach and operate within the increasingly complex partnership arena that now exists. Whilst “working together to achieve better outcomes for citizens” is universally acknowledged to be the way to operate, achieving this in reality is not easy and IVAR’s innovative approach and contribution to helping partners in this has been really positive. Helen Hughes, National Adviser (VCS), Improvement & Development Agency
The research IVAR undertook with us, on the impact of public policy on volunteering in community based organisations, has been of high quality. The findings have helped shape the ways in which we think about supporting volunteering in small organisations. The partnership approach we adopted in this research, in which we worked together on all stages of the research from design through to conducting the fieldwork, analysis and reporting has been particularly beneficial to us. Angela Ellis Paine, Director, Institute for Volunteering Research
Depression Alliance is the leading national charity for Depression in England. The charity had undergone a considerable period of change during the past two years. In February 2007 I was appointed as CEO with a clear brief to rebuild the core services, bring in new funding and develop a business plan for the charity. The small but committed group of trustees were extremely supportive and aware of the challenge.
IVAR’s services were offered to us four months after I was appointed. The timing of the support was perfect, and the expertise that they brought to us was extremely useful. They enabled us to develop a three year strategy that is realistic and right for the organisation. All parties involved - the Chair, the trustees, volunteers and now the staff and of course me - are clear about direction of the organisation and the roles of those within it. They are a great team to work with, bringing a wealth of knowledge of the complexities of the sector. Emer O'Neill, Chief Executive, Depression Alliance