Blog

Connecting knowledges, linking sectors, closing gaps

Blog by Amy Sanders and Jurgen Grotz                  On Tuesday, 25th June 2024 the Voluntary Sector Studies Network, Volunteer Now, NICVA, ARK, Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University jointly hosted a symposium in Belfast to explore pathways to collaborating on voluntary and community sector research in Northern Ireland. We recognised that research within and […]

Reflections of a trustee by Jon Dean

Being a VSSN Trustee Jon Dean, Sheffield Hallam University If you are interested in becoming a Trustee of VSSN, or joining the Voluntary Sector Review Editorial Board, please click here. Any issues, please email execofficer@vssn.org.uk. When I applied to become a Trustee of the VSSN, and then later volunteered to Chair the organisation, I did […]

6 Insights on Youth Volunteering for International Youth Day

By Stephen Craker – Chief Executive, Communities 1st   As the world comes together to observe International Youth Day, the spotlight is cast on the profound significance of engaging young individuals in shaping a brighter future. This day serves as a call to recognise and address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by young people. […]

Wiserd, Wilsons and Welsh cakes

Sophie and Susannah went along to a Voluntary Sector Studies Network (VSSN) conference in Aberystwyth last week at the National Library of Wales. Wiserd is the Wales Institute of Social and Economic Research and Data, which organised the conference alongside the VSSN. The topic of conversation was “The role of community and voluntary organisations in […]

VSSN’s Strategic Review 2023

Every so often, the Voluntary Sector Studies Network’s Trustee Board undertakes a review of our organisation’s strategy. This includes going back to first principles: looking at our charitable objectives and assessing how best to meet them, to serve our members and the wider voluntary sector and associated research communities. At the start of 2023, with […]

6 things you need to know about small charities

At the start of Small Charity Week, Jon Dean provides an overview of key pieces of research outlining the value small charities and key issues affecting them. As Small Charity Week starts, it is important to think about the specific contribution that small charities make to communities throughout the UK and across the world. Small […]

Steering Group statement on equality, diversity and inclusion.

VSSN Steering Group statement on equality, diversity and inclusion in our work and voluntary sector research In recent years there has been an increased focus on failures within the voluntary sector to provide a space that is equally accessible for all, free of discrimination, and inclusive of people from different backgrounds. Several research reports into […]