Welcome to the Institute for Voluntary Action Research – IVAR. We are an independent charity that works closely with people and organisations striving for social change. From the very small that directly support the most vulnerable in their local communities, to those that work nationally – across the voluntary, public and funding sectors.
We use research to develop practical responses to the challenges faced and create opportunities for people to learn from our findings. This site is home to our bank of research and resources, providing insights that can help organisations adapt to change and make informed and confident decisions.
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Recently published
Covid-19
Support for voluntary sector leaders and their funders
The outbreak of the coronavirus in the UK presents a shock that is without precedent for almost all of us. This page will be updated with the latest information about our efforts to support voluntary organisations and their funders at this time, and with links to past research that may be useful.
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The STAGE Partnership: Learning and Legacy
We explore a partnership between small, medium and large charities who provide specialist women’s services across the North East, led by Changing Lives. It is a positive story of a partnership in action – sharing not only success factors, but also a frank account of the challenges and measures put in place for the partnership to grow together and establish a legacy. We hope this provides inspiration for other charities interested in working together.
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Trust, power and collaboration
Shares practical suggestions for taking a ‘human learning systems’ approach to commissioning and funding relationships. Carried out in partnership with Northumbria University and the Tudor Trust the research aimed to capture the varying experiences of those adapting their practice, and identify both what is happening and what needs to change to enable different ways of working – for both VCS organisations and funders/commissioners.
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Blogs
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Youth volunteering in hospitals
Learning and resources from 32 NHS Trusts for those setting up or running youth volunteering programmes in hospitals.
Free resources and support for health, care and VCSE professionals
Transforming Healthcare Together
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08 April 2021
Four lessons for funders from a complex and uncertain year
Ben Cairns
One year ago, we published the first of fifteen Covid-19 briefings for funders. Now, having heard from more than 500 VCSE leaders, we offer four reflections on what matters most in how funders go forward.
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11 March 2021
Pause, reflect and respond
Dr Vita Terry
Dr Vita Terry shares the practical suggestions to supporting workforce health and wellbeing from conversations we’ve had with over 400 voluntary sector leaders in our peer support sessions.
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