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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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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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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Thinking about… Merger, during Covid-19
Our updated Thinking about… Merger advice brings together the experiences of a wide variety of voluntary organisations and advisers that have contemplated or carried out merger.
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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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26 November 2020
Measuring what matters: Valuing the voluntary sector in East Sussex
Chris Mills
In this short blog, we investigate the value of the VCSE sector beyond economic worth – encouraging VCSEs to be bolder in demonstrating their value to their community.
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20 November 2020
Never underestimate young potential
Aga Dychton | West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust
Young volunteers are bringing some normality to West Hertfordshire Hospitals as they respond to Covid-19 - with a smile, and a hot tea.
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19 November 2020
The good, the bad and the future
Ciorsdan Brown | The Goldsmiths' Company
In the sixth and final of our learning from lockdown blog series, Ciorsdan Brown describes how The Goldsmiths' Company family united around a shared vision to deliver emergency grants.
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