BVSC Research Unit

BVSC Research is a directorate within BVSC core service provision. We offer:

Research & Consultancy

Conducting research to inform and support the voluntary and community sector and its public sector partners in response to identified needs; consultancy support in a range of areas including strategic planning and values-based approaches.

Evaluation

Providing evaluation of service and delivery models that support innovation and development across sectors and ensures that service provision is evidence-based.

Analysis

Providing analysis and briefings to the third sector around policy developments in the City; increasing the sector’s capacity to inform and influence policy.

Learning

Sharing learning with the VCS, providing ‘space to think’ facilitating dialogue and debate; upskilling the sector to respond to complex issues; sharing resources, intelligence and information from partners to ensure these are circulated to as wide an audience as possible.

The work of BVSC Research is led and coordinated by our Director of Research, Sophie Wilson. Sophie has worked in the third sector for over twenty five years and has extensive experience in areas including volunteering, social action, criminal justice, homelessness, mental health and substance misuse.

BVSC Research is keen to work in partnership with others and will enlist the support of external partners, consultants and independent researchers as appropriate. If you are interested in becoming an associate of BVSC Research please contact Sophie directly.

Find out more about our research partners.

Get in touch!

Contact Sophie Wilson, Director of BVSC Research

Email: [email protected]
Tel: 0121 678 8866

See examples of our Research and Evaluation work:

Research

Analysis

Evaluation

Latest

HR and Payroll Administrator

Acacia Family Support, Closing date: Monday 7 June 2021
Neighbourhood Watch Scheme Set up for Lozells

Community Foundation has set up a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme covering most of the Lozells Area. All residents of the area can become a member of the scheme, and help in making sure that the area is strong, clean, and a safe place to live.
Free Full-time nursery places for all children from next term

Nursery places
Fast-Track Cities Community Engagement Third Sector Partner Call Out

Enigma are seeking third sector partners working across Birmingham to support the Fast-Track Cities call for change vision and conduct community engagement. We want to speak to organisations that are passionate about improving services for people with HIV, Hepatitis and TB to learn about the support they need.

Updated guidance and FAQs for Voluntary, Community Faith and Social Enterprises

BVSC has updated guidance and FAQs to help VCFSE sector organisations to understand what is permissible under the current current national lockdown restrictions which came into force on 5 January 2021.
Stitchers and embroiderers invited to get involved in 2022 Commonwealth Games project

If you enjoy stitching and embroidery, get involved in the Threads Together project and be part of the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
BVSC launches new employment and training network

BVSC are establishing a network for members across Birmingham who have an interest in employment and training.
Ageing Better Birmingham: Community Development Practice Hub development

As part of Ageing Better in Birmingham’s legacy, BVSC is creating a citywide Community Development Practice Hub rooted in the programme’s ethos and values. Please help us with the hub's development by completing a short survey.
Support for Reopening Community Buildings

BVSC and Acivico are holding a free workshop on 13 May 10.00-12.00 to provide support to organisations through a challenging period of reopening. We are pleased that Birmingham City Council has now provided some additional funding to ensure more organisations across Birmingham can be supported. Voluntary sector organisations can also book in for one to one support around risk assessments for the building.
Campaign launched to get older Brummies to reconnect after a year of social restrictions

The Ageing Better in Birmingham programme has launched a campaign to encourage people over 50 to take part in activities following the government’s decision to lift coronavirus restrictions.
BVSC Lunchtime Business Development Webinars: Series Two

A series of weekly networking and learning opportunities focussed on securing new business for your organisation.
A new programme of strategic support and development for the VCFSE sector

Whilst responding to the Covid-19 pandemic, the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector has come together with a spirit of collaboration to support citizens and communities through a period of unprecedented challenge.
Call out to stand in solidarity around the real causes of England's housing emergency

Baobab Women’s Project and Shelter Birmingham have come together to develop a statement of solidarity which puts the record straight about the causes of the housing emergency.
Veg advocates sought for the Food Foundation's Peas Please initiative

Peas Please is about making it easier for people to eat more veg both for a healthy body and a healthy planet. By working with farmers, high street food chains, restaurants, supermarkets, governments and people like YOU, all at the same time, we can make sure everyone can eat enough veg.