Voluntary and community sector
CRESR has expertise and a long standing interest in the study of the voluntary and community sector. We undertake research both for and about the sector.
Our work focuses on:
- measuring and mapping the voluntary and community sector
- measuring outcomes and impact, including of social return on investment
- approaches to social investment and funding
- understanding sustainability, resilience and financial vulnerability
- engagement and participation of communities
We also undertake research on specific social, economic and policy issues for clients. For example, we carried out research on hidden homelessness for the housing charity Crisis and have looked at the role of community businesses for rural community councils.
Talent Match Evaluation and Learning Contract
Project Director: Professor Peter Wells
Project Duration: 2013-2019
Talent Match is a Big Lottery Funding initiative of up to £100 million. It is investing resources in a number of areas in England where youth unemployment is a significant issue. BIG will invest for a period of up to five years to improve the lives of people aged 18-24 who have been out of education, employment or training for 12 months or more. The aims of the evaluation and learning contract are: to track the success of the programme and projects within it; to identify what works well, for whom and in what circumstances; and to share learning and improve practice.
The project team also includes Anne Green (University of Warwick) and Pete Tyler (University of Cambridge).
Evaluation of the Sheffield Community Network
Project Director: Dr Richard Crisp
Project Duration: 2012-2013
Impact evaluation of the Sheffield Community Network which aims to promote digital inclusion and social enterprises within disadvantaged areas in Sheffield.
The project team also includes Amy Gadd (UK Online Centres).
Impact evaluation of the Volunteer for Stronger Communities project
Project Director: Richard Crisp
Project Duration: 2012-2013
This project will evaluate the impact of 15 projects to promote volunteering that have been funded through the Volunteering for Stronger Communities programme. The Programme aims to use volunteering to improve employability and strengthen in the context of economic uncertainty.
Exploring the impact of Work Clubs in Manchester
Project Director: Dr Richard Crisp
Project Duration: 2013
This project will explore the strategic role and impact of Work Clubs in Manchester through qualitative research with Work Club staff and beneficiaries.
Measuring Giving in Money and Time by Business at a Local Level
Project Director: Professor Peter Wells
Project Duration: 2013
This project aims to develop an understanding of the contribution businesses can make to voluntary and community organisations at a local level. The project seeks to address a widely acknowledged gap in evidence.
Staff undertaking research include
Elaine Batty Chris Dayson Jan Gilbertson Dr Tony Gore Professor Paul Hickman Sarah Pearson Aimee Walshaw Professor Peter Wells Ian Wilson
Get in touch
For further information please contact Sarah Pearson at s.pearson@shu.ac.uk or call 0114 225 4902,
or Professor Peter Wells at p.wells@shu.ac.uk or call 0114 225 6262.
Key clients
Big Lottery Fund
Cabinet Office
Community Fund
Economic and Social Research Council
Groundwork
Home Office
Humber and Wolds Rural Community Council
Involve Yorkshire and Humber
Joseph Rowntree Foundation
National Association for Voluntary and Community Action (NAVCA)
National Council for Voluntary Organisations
Rural Action Derbyshire
Salford CVS
Voluntary Action Rotherham
Yorkshire Rural Community Council