Research on the Road - Omagh

Increasingly, funders and social policy makers are looking for reliable evidence before they fund a project or implement policies or strategies. As public sector funding cuts begin to bite and the economic condition of the voluntary and community sector becomes more volatile, it is vital that voluntary and community organisations provide solid evidence of their effectiveness and value.

Each event includes a ‘rough guide’ to research methods, and a ‘surgery’ where future or ongoing projects can be discussed. The aim is to inform participants as to why research is important and how a basic understanding of research methods will help them with funding applications, understanding their own organisation, and evaluating research output. 

Outline of event

Evidence informed policy – NICVA will highlight the importance of gathering research and evidence to support the work of voluntary and community organisations. This is especially important at a time when there is increased recognition of the need to build a hierarchy of evidence to provide best value and measure outcomes.

Data sourcing - ARK will signpost participants to sources where suitable data to support the work of voluntary sector organisations can be found and will explain how these can be utilised.

Introduction to research methods – ARK will provide an introduction to a range of qualitative and quantitative research. The session will highlight the advantages and disadvantages of different methods of data collection (such as focus groups, questionnaires, and interviews) to guide organisations that are considering undertaking their own research projects.

Research surgery – participants will have the opportunity to ask representatives from ARK and NICVA’s Research Unit for advice on their own future or ongoing projects.

The sessions are free, however, spaces will be limited to one per organisation. Session 2 will take place in Newry on 4 November 2011. Organisations have the option to book a place for one or both sessions.

Bookings must be made by 26 September 2011.

For further information about these sessions contact Andrea Thornbury, NICVA, at 028 9087 7777 or email andrea.thornbury@nicva.org or Paula Devine, ARK, at 028 9097 3034 or email p.devine@qub.ac.uk

These events are funded by the Economic and Social Research Council Festival of Social Science.