Initial evidence reviews
The initial stages of research at TSRC involved conducting reviews of the evidence already available on several topics relevant to the sector.
These evidence reviews have been vital to inform our research. They enabled us to identify gaps in the existing research base, and set the priorities for our own work.
Evidence review papers (2009-2011):
- The black minority ethnic third sector
- The third sector delivering public services
- Below the radar literature review (updated 2012)
- Impact and evaluation
- Social enterprise and the environment
- Housing scoping papers
- Individual voluntary participation in the UK
Economic and social impact
This research included assessment of the economic impact of third sector organisations, with a particular focus on the role that they play in delivering public services and contributing to general community wellbeing.
Environment
This project examined the activities and contributions of a broad range of environmental organisations, as well as the extent to which wider elements of the third sector respond to environmental challenges, in particular climate change.
Cuts across all our research.
Our research includes theoretical and policy analysis, and currently focuses on: the role of social enterprises in public services provision; social enterprise spin outs in health care provision such as Right to Request; small charities and social enterprise; and challenges and tensions.
This research looks at people, relationships and conditions that define the third sector’s paid and unpaid workforce and explores their implications.