Connecting Locally report - November 2022

Research by the Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research (CRESR) at Sheffield Hallam University in 2022 provides a detailed survey of NAVCA members' work, through the lens of the four functions of infrastructure, including data on roles such as convening at place, capacity building and engagement with health systems.

research

Connecting Locally infographic

This infographic can be used to demonstrate the findings of Connecting Locally in a more accessible format.

research

Local Infrastructure Social Return on Investment Review

This report analysis the social return on investment (SROI) delivered by East Riding Voluntary Action (ERVAS) under its contract for local infrastrucure services from East Riding of Yorkshire council (2012-2016)

Value of infrastructure, SROI, impact

Charity Density and Social Need: A Longitudinal Perspective

This study links large-scale administrative data on charities registered in England and Wales with local authority-level measures of material deprivation for 5 U.K. census years (1971–2011). In general, charity density is highest in the least deprived local authorities but this varies across different types of organizations and census years.

charity density, VCSE organisations, census, deprivation, local authorities, council

Research findings on how different social groups are affected by the environmental crises

These research briefings by NPC (New Philanthropy Capital) are a source of information for charities or funders wanting to increase their understanding of how a specific social group in the UK is affected by the environmental crises and related policy. Briefings contain summaries of how the climate and nature crises affect people directly or because of related policy, and also provide links to sources of data for those who would like more information.

VCSE Barometer Survey: Present Struggles, Past Origins: Current Challenges in Volunteering Amidst Two Decades of Decline

This is the latest report from the VCSE Barometer Survey: Present Struggles, Past Origins: Current Challenges in Volunteering Amidst Two Decades of Decline. The report highlights key findings from the topical question set on volunteering, which featured in the latest wave of the survey, live from 10 April – 1 May 2024.

cost of living crisis, poverty, volunteers, volunteering

NAVCA Members' Annual Survey 2024

Each year, we survey the NAVCA membership to find out more about your priorities and concerns, income and expenditure, and more. Download our latest report to explore the research further.

Walking a tightrope: Exploring the conditions for effective local voluntary and community sector infrastructure

As part of a wider Development Programme throughout 2024, NAVCA commissioned research seeking to identify the internal and external conditions that enable or prevent effective delivery of local VCSE infrastructure support services by Local Infrastructure Organisations (LIOs). This report details the rationale for the study, the research methods, findings and conclusions from the research.

Summary: Walking a tightrope: Exploring the conditions for effective local voluntary and community sector infrastructure

This document is a summary of the longer research piece. As part of a wider Development Programme throughout 2024, NAVCA commissioned research seeking to identify the internal and external conditions that enable or prevent effective delivery of local VCSE infrastructure support services by Local Infrastructure Organisations (LIOs). This report details the rationale for the study, the research methods, findings and conclusions from the research.

Partnership and mergers in LIOs - research by NAVCA

The English Devolution White Paper and the related changes to local authorities and move to strategic authorities will impact on many, perhaps all, NAVCA members. LIOs will need to navigate a changing landscape in which decision making powers will be distributed in new ways and services are delivered on new footprints. This paper explores how NAVCA some members have already developed partnerships and collaborations to increase their impact and respond to a changing external environment.

DCMS Volunteering Research - Think Piece by NAVCA

On 3 February 2025, DCMS released three research papers conducted by a consortium led by Basis Social, alongside London Economics and New Philanthropy Capital, as part of the Volunteering Research Managed Service which explored Digital Tools that Support Volunteering, Promoting equity, diversity and inclusion in volunteering and Compared national enabling environments for volunteering. This briefing summarises the key points that NAVCA believes are most relevant to local infrastructure organisations and offers our perspective on how local infrastructure can support positive change in volunteering.

LCSI Research Member Briefing #1

DCMS commissioned research into local civil society infrastructure to look at the evidence base, identify the positive impacts of effective local infrastructure and the negative effects of its absence, and approaches to strengthening it.

local civil society infrastructure research DCMS

VCSE Barometer Survey Results - Data in Practice

Over the past decade, VCSE organisations have increasingly recognised the value of the data they hold - not just as a record of activity, but as a strategic asset that can inform decision-making, improve service delivery, and demonstrate impact. In the latest wave, the VCSE Barometer builds on these insights by exploring how organisations collect, use, and share data and evidence, and the extent to which they have the skills and resources to do so effectively. The findings reveal a sector that values data and evidence, but where capacity shapes what is possible. Many organisations feel confident in their skills, yet lack the time, resources, and external support needed to embed data and evidence into everyday practice.

Civil Society Covenant toolkit for NAVCA members

This toolkit for NAVCA members will help you make the most of the Civil Society Covenant and the opportunities for developing relationships with stakeholders. The toolkit includes template letters to stakeholders such as local authorities and the VCSE sector, as well as a PowerPoint to use in meetings. We explore the connections between the Covenant and DCMS's research on local civil society infrastructure, to help you strengthen your case for local infrastructure.

policy, research

Civil Society Covenant PowerPoint template for NAVCA members

This PowerPoint accompanies the Civil Society Covenant toolkit for NAVCA members, and is adaptable for you to add your logo and your local context.

civil society, charity, local infrastructure, policy, research, dcms, lcsi