Apply for a VSSN Small Grant! Want to run an event, make a podcast, host a workshop, or film some research? The sky’s the limit! The VSSN Small Grants Scheme 2026-27 is now open The deadline for applications is 4 December 2026 VSSN Small Grants are designed to bring together researchers, practitioners and/or policy makers […]
News
Event invitation: How to articulate the full social value of volunteering in a profit-driven world?
Social value frameworks help put a figure on outcomes, but on their own they only tell part of the story. This VSSN-sponsored event will bring a small group of researchers and practitioners into one room to build a stronger, shared case for volunteering’s value, based on a real-life case study of a local volunteer involving […]
Board Opportunities
The recruitment has begun to nominate yourself to join the Editorial Management Board and/or the Board of VSSN. I hope that many of you will consider nominating yourself for either or both. These opportunities give you a real chance to shape the future of VSSN and support the work of the journal. You will be […]
Online Event: The role of inclusive volunteer involvement in civic society. 19th November 2026
The role of inclusive volunteer involvement in civic society is an online international event exploring the role of inclusive volunteer involvement in civic society around the world. It will take place on Thursday 19th November 2026. This event is organised by VSSN in collaboration with ISTR and IVR. Tickets are available here Three facilitated online […]
VSVR Conference 2026 Best Paper Prizes
The VSR Best Paper Prize Boundary crossing and elite attributes in European civil societies, by Malin Arvidson, Jayeon Lee, Roberto Scaramuzzino, and Anders Uhlin The panel thought that this was an engaging, well-written, accessible article with clear policy and practice implications about leaders, elite attributes, and boundary crossing in civil society. It was methodologically ambitious, […]
Voluntary Sector and Volunteering Research Conference 2026: FAQs
What is it? The Voluntary Sector and Volunteering Research Conference (#vsvr26) is the largest conference devoted to voluntary and volunteering sector-related research in the UK. Hosted this year by the Watershed, Bristol, VSVR ‘26 is organised by the Voluntary Sector Studies Network (VSSN), in partnership with the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO), Birmingham Voluntary […]
New Researchers online session 21st July 2026
Booking is now open for the Next New Researchers online session, 12-1pm (UK time) on Tuesday the 21st of July 2026. Click here: Booking Link This session will focus on the upcoming Voluntary Sector and Volunteering Research (VSVR) conference to be held in Bristol 8th-10th September (for more info, see: https://www.vssn.org.uk/2026-voluntary-sector-and-volunteering-research-conference/). We’re very happy to be joined by […]
2026 Voluntary Sector & Volunteering Research Conference. Bookings now open.
Bookings are now open for #VSVR26 — the 2026 Voluntary Sector & Volunteering Research Conference! Join us in Bristol on 9–10 September for Evidence Into Action: Unlocking the Power of Civil Society Research. Connect with researchers, practitioners and policymakers shaping the future of civil society. Early bird rates available until 17 July. Book your place: https://vsvr2026.eventbrite.com #VoluntarySector #CivilSociety […]
Call for Papers – Evidence Into Action: Unlocking the Power of Civil Society Research 2026 Voluntary Sector and Volunteering Research Conference
If you haven’t yet had a chance to submit an abstract for VSVR’26, there’s still time — the deadline is 18 May 2026. We’d love to hear from researchers and practitioner-researchers working across voluntary sector and volunteering research. Details below: Main conference: 9–10 September 2026 | New Researchers pre-conference day: 8 September 2026 | Watershed Conference […]
VSVR conference 2026 Call for Papers – Drop in session on the 29th April
VSVR conference 2026 Call for Papers – Drop in session on the 29th April Call for papers, panel sessions and workshops The Voluntary Sector and Volunteering Research Conference 2026 theme is Evidence Into Action: Unlocking the Power of Civil Society Research This will take place on 9–10 September 2026 (with New Researchers session on 8 September) […]
