Anna Skeels at SPARK and Dave Horton (Consultant and ACE) give an update on the Third Sector Research Partnership, one year on.
SPARK’s Third Sector Research Partnership (TSRP) is an innovative approach to building research skills and driving evidence-based change in some of Cardiff’s most disadvantaged communities through pro bono research support to small and medium sized voluntary sector organisations.
Relationships between these organisations and academics are carefully nurtured, creating a basis for longer term equal relationships and the co-production of new research that can evidence impact, improve practice and influence policy.
BROKERING RESEARCH RELATIONSHIPS AROUND VOLUNTARY SECTOR ASPIRATIONS
Much has been achieved since our introductory blog posted on 25 September 2023 , thanks to collaboration with our multi-partner Steering Group and pilot activity with Cardiff-based voluntary sector organisations and academics from Cardiff University.
In total, ten organisations participated in conversations or workshops to map their research needs. Participants were supported to develop a personalised ‘canvas’, capturing their interests, skills, evidence gaps and research aspirations. This participatory approach was effective in establishing the organisations’ needs at the beginning of the project, laying the ground for more equal relationships with academics.
RESEARCH TO SUPPORT COMMUNITIES
Six participating organisations were subsequently supported to develop ten-hour pro bono research support requests. These organisations work with some of Cardiff’s most disadvantaged communities including LGBT people, people with learning disabilities, refugee and asylum seekers, people with mental health conditions and people living in economically disadvantaged communities.
Relationships have since been brokered between five of these organisations and Cardiff University academics with relevant research expertise. Support has focused on clarifying research questions, developing methodologies, and understanding and using existing evidence.
In addition, students on the Civic Insights work experience programme have worked with three of these organisations.
IDENTIFYING AND CELEBRATING IMPACT
On 15 July the project team gathered academics (Third Sector Research ‘Fellows’) and organisation leaders together to evaluate the project so far, discussing their journeys through the project and sharing ‘magic moments’.
Despite some initial apprehension at the beginning of the project, organisations reported that previous experiences of collaboration with academics had been ‘turned on their head’, with positive new relationships.
The brokering role of the TSRP was seen as crucial, allowing relationships to grow and for tangible outcomes that benefit both partners. Students from the Civic Insights programme made a key contribution, providing useful information in an accessible format.
‘Sharing a walk around the community led to a real sense of connection on issues and shared language’ said one organisation leader.
Academic partners celebrated the opportunity to develop ‘research that makes a difference’, while students reported new skills and experiences that will help with their career development.
One academic told us: ‘sharing views and insights with Sarah (was a Magic Moment) – local knowledge in action!’, while a student remarked:
‘My time…allowed me to gain excellent experience in literature-based research. This experience has been hugely beneficial to me and my career.’
Overall, both voluntary sector and academic participants saw the TSRP as a good example of ‘Civic Mission in action’!
NEXT STEPS
All five partnerships are exploring the potential for longer term research activity, and the TSRP team will support them as these relationships continue to develop. In addition, further workshops this Autumn will lead to new organisations being matched with academics for pro bono support, extending support into more communities.
Opportunities for integration of the project with wider Cardiff University programmes and strategies will continue to be explored. Finally, new models for engagement with voluntary sector infrastructure organisations will be piloted.
EVENTS
SPARK will deliver a second round of research workshops for Cardiff-based organisations in November this year. If you’re a small to medium-sized voluntary sector organisation (e.g. charity, community-based organisation, social enterprise) and have been operational in Cardiff for at least two years, this could be for you.
If you are interested in research support and attending a workshop, please contact Anna Skeels SkeelsA1@cardiff.ac.uk copying in Dave Horton daveh.community@gmail.com.