Research, evaluation and community-led insight supporting Birmingham’s voluntary sector

BVSC Research brings together research, evaluation and community-led practice to support Birmingham’s voluntary and community sector and the communities it serves.

We lead and support research and evaluation with, for and about the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector, helping organisations, funders and system partners understand what works, what needs to change, and how communities can shape the services that affect them.

Since 2019, BVSC Research has delivered research and evaluation across a wide range of social issues affecting Birmingham’s communities.

Our work combines robust research methods, sector knowledge and lived experience insight to produce evidence that is both credible and useful in practice.

BVSC Research operates through two complementary strands:

Research, Evaluation and Learning We provide independent research and evaluation grounded in the realities of voluntary and community action. We work with voluntary organisations, funders, commissioners and public sector partners to design and deliver research and evaluation that supports learning, accountability and service improvement. Our work includes: Evaluation of services and programmes Impact measurement and reporting Research and needs assessments Mixed-methods research Strategic insight to support system improvement We have particular expertise in evaluating VCFSE services and partnerships, ensuring that learning from frontline delivery informs policy, funding and practice. 👉 Learn more about Research and Evaluation

Community Research BVSC Research are leading the way in community-led and collaborative research: providing a network, resources and space for this work to thrive in the heart of the community.  Our Community Hub for Engagement in Research Practice (CHERP), developed with academic, healthcare and community partners in Birmingham and Solihull, strengthens community-led research and supports the voluntary sector to engage confidently with research and evaluation. Through CHERP we: Train and support Community Researchers Build research and evaluation capacity within voluntary organisations Support participatory and inclusive research approaches Connect communities with academic and system partners Host the Birch Network CHERP is based on a simple principle: the best research comes from working with communities in true partnership, not extracting research from them. 👉 Learn more about CHERP Birch Network Birch is our learning and practitioner network for organisations and individuals interested in community research, participation and evidence-informed practice. The network provides opportunities for shared learning, collaboration and professional development across the voluntary sector, academia and public services. To join the Birch Network, apply to become a Community Researcher, or explore training opportunities, visit: 👉 Birch Network

Who We Work With

BVSC Research works with partners across Birmingham and the wider region.

Voluntary and Community Organisations
Supporting organisations to evaluate their services, demonstrate impact and strengthen learning.

Funders and Commissioners
Delivering independent evaluation and community-informed research that strengthens programmes and policy.

Academic and System Partners
Supporting collaborative and participatory research that connects academic expertise with community knowledge.

👉 Work With Us

Evidence That Supports Real Change

Our work spans a wide range of issues affecting Birmingham’s communities, including health inequalities, youth services, multiple disadvantage, climate resilience, volunteering and community development.

By combining rigorous research with community insight, we help ensure evidence reflects real experiences and supports meaningful change.

Latest Insights and Updates

Across BVSC Research we regularly share insights from our work, learning from projects and updates about events and opportunities to get involved.

👉 Read our latest Insights, News and Events

Work With Us

If you would like to discuss research, evaluation or community research opportunities, we would be happy to hear from you.

📧 [email protected]