Research

Our aim is to develop knowledge about the voluntary and community sector for the benefit of researchers, policy makers and organisations interested in the sector through a range of research projects.

We provide basic research training developed to meet the needs of individuals within the sector on how to conduct reliable research. 

Research Themes

The work of the research team can be broken down into four main themes; resources, people, performance and influence.

Our Primary Research

State of the Sector (SOS)

State of the Sector is the definitive resource on the size, scope and finances of the Northern Ireland Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise Sector.   Explore State of the Sector now

Viewfinder

Viewfinder is a snapshot survey of the sector so we can get an overview of what it thinks about certain issues and the problems it is facing. We send the survey out to all of our members every few months.

Salary Survey

This study looks at changing salary and employment benefit trends in the voluntary and community sector. We develop and circulate the questionnaire, analyse the results and write the final report.

Charitable Giving Survey

The Charitable Giving Survey researches how much money people in Northern Ireland donate. It looks at what charities individuals donate to, how they donated and why.

Consultancy

We welcome external research contracts. Our clients to date have included Supporting People (NIHE), Northern Ireland Audit Office, Department for Regional Development, Copius Consulting , CIVICUS, The Wheel, SEUPB, Voluntary and Community Unit at DSD, and the Volunteer Development Agency now known as Volunteer Now.

Research on the Road

This is a series of training aimed at groups outside of Belfast to help them design their own research projects. The session offers advice and expertise on how to conduct reliable research. It provides a ‘rough guide’ to research methods and highlights the importance of research reports and other methods of dissemination. These events are specifically tailored for the voluntary and community sector.

Research and Reports

  • Viewfinder 8

    22 April, 2009
    [email protected]
    This viewfinder survey focuses the impact of the current economic downturn on the voluntary and community sector.

  • State of the Sector V

    1 February, 2009
    [email protected]
    State of the Sector V assesses how the voluntary and community sector is funded, how many people it employs and how many volunteers are involved with organisations.

  • Charitable Giving in Northern Ireland 2008

    10 November, 2008
    [email protected]
    This research into charitable giving in Northern Ireland reveals a changing picture and poses a number of challenges for fundraisers at a time when prevailing economic conditions are worsening.

  • Viewfinder 7

    1 October, 2007
    [email protected]
    This Viewfinder covers issues such as the smoking ban, devolution in Northern Ireland, the issue of a draft Code of Governance for the voluntary and community sector, as well as the idea of mergers.

  • Viewfinder 6

    1 September, 2006
    [email protected]
    This Viewfinder survey deals with issues as the summer marching season, the end of academic selection and training of board members.

  • Salary Survey 2006

    1 July, 2006
    [email protected]
    This report is the second study of its kind completed by NICVA in the past five years. It looks at workforce composition with regard to age, sex, contracts, job titles and remuneration levels.

  • Viewfinder 5

    1 March, 2006
    [email protected]
    Viewfinder 5 investigated the sector's opinion on a proposed smoking ban, gauged the opinion of the sector on the importance of the Review of Public Administration, and childcare in the sector.

  • State of the Sector IV

    1 November, 2005
    [email protected]
    The State of the Sector IV research adds to the already broad and in-depth knowledge of the sector by examining many of the key issues currently affecting and shaping it.

  • Charitable Giving in Northern Ireland 2005

    1 September, 2005
    [email protected]
    This research provides a detailed insight into the profile of donors and giving patterns in Northern Ireland.

  • Viewfinder 4

    1 July, 2005
    [email protected]
    This Viewfinder survey examined the voluntary and community sector on a range of issues, including smoking, political situation, policy debate, governance and fundraising.

  • Telling the Story of Peace II

    1 October, 2004
    [email protected]
    An assessment of the impact of PEACE II funding in Strabane, East Belfast and Cavan Special EU Programmes Body.

  • Viewfinder 3

    1 June, 2004
    [email protected]
    Viewfinder 3 showed underutilisation of Gift Aid schemes, annoyance at the difficulty faced when attempting to secure media coverage of issues and events, and a sector unsure of its future role in the delivery of public services.

  • Viewfinder 2

    1 March, 2004
    [email protected]
    The second Viewfinder has providing an insight into the views of the sector on issues such as Community Relations, Taskforce, 60 Day Action Team and Civil Society.

  • Drifting Off Course?

    20 January, 2004
    [email protected]
    Research on the impact of public service delivery from the perspective of the voluntary and community sector and government. A report originally prepared for the Task Force.

  • Viewfinder 1

    1 December, 2003
    [email protected]
    Viewfinder 1 investigated the political situation in Northern Ireland, the possible introduction of Peace III, the level of engagement by business on committees and the level of preparedness of the sector for the introduction of the Euro.

  • Insuring the future of the Sector: The Impact of Changes in Insurance on the Voluntary and Community Sector

    1 March, 2003
    [email protected]
    This research report reveals the impact of changes to insurance on the voluntary and community sector.

  • Assessment of the Impact of Gap or Interim Funding

    10 January, 2003
    [email protected]
    An assessment of the impact of gap / interim funding on the sustainability of voluntary and community sector organisations.

  • State of the Sector III

    10 March, 2002
    [email protected]
    The third edition of the State of the Sector research examines the size, scope and contribution of the voluntary and community sector in Northern Ireland.

  • Salary Survey 2001

    10 December, 2001
    [email protected]
    NICVA’S Salary Survey 2001 aims to map salaries in the voluntary sector in Northern Ireland

Updates

Resources

NICVA 61 Duncairn Gardens, Belfast BT15 2GB | T: 028 9087 7777 | Registered Charity Number NIC100012 
NICVA Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action is registered as a company limited by guarantee in Northern Ireland No. NI001792 

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