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
Transforming Healthcare Together
Equipping health, care and VCSE leaders to build relationships that transform our healthcare system.
A new support offer, free to access and jointly funded by NHS England and The National Lottery Community Fund. Includes online resources, workshops and coaching delivered by The King’s Fund.
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Duty to Care?
How to ensure grant-making helps and doesn’t hinder
We believe that foundations could be making adaptations to their grant-making practices in response to the circumstances and needs of small to medium voluntary organisations.
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The value of small
What is distinctive and valuable about small charities relative to their larger counterparts and public sector bodies? We found three features that set them apart, and explored current funding challenges.
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Blogs
28 March 2019
"From subordination to reciprocation"
Ben Cairns
From the archive: The text of Ben Cairns’ opening remarks at the September 2011 launch of ‘Beyond Money: Funding Plus in the UK’.
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07 March 2019
Community Health Melas
Kevin Walsh | District Governor for Rotary Clubs throughout Cumbria and Lancashire 2013-14
The concept is simple; give people the opportunity to have a Health MOT in a friendly, safe environment and provide them with the advice required to make appropriate lifestyle choices. This provides a framework for the NHS and local government to work with volunteers around priorities highlighted in the NHS Long Term Plan – particularly around early diagnosis and prevention.
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Learn more about IVAR