Regional research
As well as VONNE research we have also gathered research from other organisations which is relevant to the Voluntary and Community Sector in the North East. If you have or know of research on the voluntary and community sector in the North East please let us know.
Northern Rock Foundation Third Sector Trends Study
Northern Rock Foundation's Third Sector Trends Study is a ground-breaking research programme on the scale, dynamics and needs of the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector in North East England and Cumbria.
The Study will for the first time provide robust, comprehensive and freely available local and regional evidence to describe the sector. The Study will help sector organisations, infrastructure agencies, funders and government bodies who all need better information about the characteristics and activities of the third sector groups. Better data will help to improve funding negotiations, policy development and service planning. The Study will also assist the development of better methods for voluntary sector research nationally.
North East Regional Information Partnership
A recent development in the North East has been the setting up of the North East Regional Information Partnership (NERIP). NERIP is an initiative led by the North East Assembly, One NorthEast and the Government Office for the North East, to improve the region's capacity to share understanding about the changing North East, leading to more effective policy for the region.
Training needs of North East VCS
Project North East completed in early 2008 a region-wide survey into the training aims and ambitions of people working in the voluntary and community sector of the North East, as part of their ongoing Voluntaryskills.com project.
The report - 'Ambitions and Aspirations of Workers and Volunteers from the Voluntary and Community Sector in the North East' is available to download from www.voluntaryskills.com
Invest 2006
Invest 2006 Campaign ran in 2005-06 highlighting and celebrating the work of the VCS in the North East through 26 case studies. "The 'Heineken' Factor: reaching the parts that Government can't reach" details the role and contribution of voluntary and community organisations to regeneration in the region. It shows how social projects, which support disadvantaged groups and communities not only promotes well-being, hope, and opportunities but also contributes to economic regeneration.
The projects in the report have diverse sources of funding but all have had Government funding such as ESF, SRB and Lottery money all of which are diminishing and putting good and necessary work at risk. The report argues that although government funding to support the work of the VCS is relatively small compared with independent funding it is necessary and it must be replaced.
The 'Heineken' Factor: reaching the parts that Government can't reach
(file size 685kb) PDF document
Voluntaryskills.com report maps VCS training
The report 'Training and Development Opportunities for the Voluntary and Community Sector in the North East' details the findings of a mapping exercise undertaken by Project North East as part of the voluntaryskills.com project.
The report presents information regarding the nature and extent of the availability of training and development opportunities for the VCS throughout the region. Particular attention is paid to the subject area of the accessible opportunities, as well as considering whether courses are accredited and the knowledge level at which they are offered. The report also explores the location of training provision and development opportunities, and the kind of organisations contributing to their availability.
The main purpose of the report is to provide a comprehensive breakdown of course availability in a complete North East context, and it is envisaged the production of it will be beneficial to a number of voluntary and community sector organisations, support agencies and the statutory sector.
For further information contact Emma McLellan on (0191) 2616009, email emma.mclellan@pne.org or to download a copy of the report visit www.voluntaryskills.com
Infrastructure Research
In 2003 the Active Communities Unit of the Home Office consulted widely on the needs of the sector and produced the strategy 'ChangeUp'.
An investment of £80m enabled the sector to develop second tier support at local, regional and national levels The review of the sector highlighted the Government's aim that "by 2014 the needs of frontline voluntary and community organisations will be met with support which is available nationwide, structured for maximum efficiency, offering excellent provision which is accessible to all while reflecting and promoting diversity, and is sustainably funded".
The funding programme was relocated to an independent organisation and Capacitybuilders was launched in April 2006. The Home Office then committed £150 million nationally over an initial four year period to continue with the vision.
"Destination 2014" was published in summer 2007 which aims to create transformed communities supported by a stronger frontline community and voluntary sector as a result of a stronger second tier.
As the regional infrastructure organisation for the sector, VONNE plays a vital role in co-ordinating infrastructure funding streams, advocating for the sector and liaising with funding providers over developing funding strategies and programmes. Visit our sub-site for VCS infrastructure in the North East.
Regional Infrastructure North East (RINE)
One Voice Network - Community Buildings Survey in County Durham
An innovative survey of community buildings was completed in County Durham. Commissioned by One Voice Network, the survey is the first of its kind in the country and examines what is going on in the buildings, painting a picture for the first time of how community centres are used and what facilities they can offer. The work was carried out as part of the strategic response to changes in funding regimes for village halls and community centres.
If you would like a paper copy of the survey please contact:
One Voice Network Secretariat
The Knoll
Granville Terrace
Wheatley Hill
County Durham
DH6 3JQ
Tel (01429) 823 067