These resources relate to the role of third sector research in influencing change.
Making an impact with research: a Third Sector Research Forum case study
In this case study we hear from Sam Pringle, Head of Research at Fathers Network Scotland about the different approaches they took to engage decision makers and others with the research they did in partnership with the University of Edinburgh into shared parental leave.
TSRF ‘Collaborating for impact’ conference report
Conference report from TSRF Collaborating for impact which took place in October 2019.
Engaging with evidence (2019)
This guide prepared by KTN introduces what is meant by communities engaging with evidence and why it is important.
Evidencing genuine co-production in the third sector (2017)
Evidence paper distiling what third sector research and evidence tell us about what genuine co-production looks like in the third sector
Evidence for Success: Collaborating with academics (2016)
This guide is for anyone in the third sector who wants to link to academics to generate and/or use evidence to improve policy and practice
Evidence for Success: Collaborating with academics (2016) – Infographic
This guide is for anyone in the third sector who wants to link to academics to generate and/or use evidence to improve policy and practice. It provides practical guidance and
Top tips to communicate research effectively (infographic) 2016
This infographic was produced by the Scottish Third Sector Research Forum (TSRF) to help third sector organisations communicate their research effectively. It contains guidance, tips and good practice examples.
Third Sector Partnership Compass (2016)
This evidence paper by Evaluation Support Scotland and The Robertson Trust with the Scottish Third Sector Research Forum brings together evidence of what research tells us engaging in positive partnership
The benefits of inclusive volunteering (2015)
This evidence paper by Volunteer Scotland with the Scottish Third Sector Research Forum brings together evidence of the benefits of volunteering for people with complex needs.
Why involve the third sector in reducing re-offending (2012)
This is an evidence paper produced by the Robertson Trust for the Scottish Third Sector Research Forum. The third sector plays a key role in the delivery of criminal justice
Why involve the Third Sector in Health and Social Care delivery (2011)
An evidence paper produced by the Scottish Government with the Scottish Third Sector Research Forum. The paper explores, through a number of case studies, the contribution of the third sector
Using third sector research to influence policy and practice – TSRF conference 2021
You can view Dr Sarah Weakley (Policy Scotland, UofG) and Nick Bibby and Dr Mariola Tarrega (SPRE)’s slides on “Getting research heard and used: understanding and achieving policy influence”.
Read a list of resources on policy impact.
Other useful resources about influencing change and collaboration
Binks Hub and Citadel Youth Centre collaborate on youth-led research, intergenerational work, connecting academia with communities and how to involve youth people in research. Read more here.
Carnegie UK Trust‘s report on “How Can Academics And The Third Sector Work Together To Influence Policy And Practice” argues that to make an impact on social policy universities must work more closely with civil society.
Voluntary Health Scotland published “Broader Reach and Stronger Voice: Reflecting on the inclusivity of the COVID-19 vaccine programme and collaboration with the third sector” after conducting a qualitative study with both their member organisations and a wider network.
The Research Excellence Framework (REF) is the UK’s system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions.
Other useful resources about influencing change and the cost of living
A Crisis on our Doorstep – Barnardo’s UK
Exposes the severe impact of the cost-of-living crisis on children, young people and families across the UK. View here.
Disabled People, Unpaid Carers and the Cost-of-Living Crisis: Impacts, Responses, and Long Term Solutions – The Alliance
Calls for final support. View here.
“It’s Hard Work Being Poor” – Scottish Women’s Budget Group
Women’s experiences of the cost-of-living crisis in Scotland. View here.
Living without a lifeline – One Parent Families Scotland
Feedback from 260 single parents highlights their experiences and priorities. View here.
Members Meet Up: What Price Health? The Cost-of-Living Crisis, Health and the Third Sector – Voluntary Health Scotland
Members discussed how the cost-of-living crisis was impacting their organisations and the people they support. View here.
Public Dept and Arrears in Scotland – The Robertson Trust
The Robertson Trust has published new research showing that many low-income families are being pushed into debt and arrears by the public bodies meant to be helping them through the cost-of-living emergency. View here.
Research lessons from cost of living study – Volunteer Scotland
“Testing our resilience” was a paper investigating the impact of the cost of living crisis on volunteering and volunteers. View here.
Researching rising costs using a longitudinal panel study – SCVO
The Scottish Third Sector Tracker (Tracker) is a community of third sector organisations. The community was established in response to the pandemic as third sector support organisations, including SCVO, Scottish Government and funders, sought to understand the challenges facing third sector organisations and how best to support them. View here.
Cost of Living, 2022 – Social Enterprise Scotland
Social Enterprise Scotland hosted a session for all social enterprises who are concerned about inflation and the significant and spiralling increases in the cost of living. View here.
Understanding the impact of Covid-19 on income: labour market changes and policy solutions – The Fraser of Allander Institute
An accurate picture of the distribution of household incomes post-pandemic is needed in order to examine the impact of the pandemic on household incomes and to assess the effectiveness of policy to tackle these issues. View here.
Keeping the Doors Open – Age Scotland
What do older people’s community groups need to recover from the impact of Covid-19? View here.
Other useful resources about influencing change and dissemination
The ALLIANCE’s Community in Action project has published analysis of third sector organisations’ initial response to COVID-19.
Voluntary Sector Studies Network are collating research projects which focus on the Voluntary and Community sector and volunteering in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. View here.
The Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) has published findings of research into the impact of the COVID-19 on Scotland’s charities.
Other useful resources about influencing change and public involvement
Community Engagement: An Exploration
This introductory course explores some of the many “what?”, “why?” and “how?” considerations for community engagements. View here.
Participation through the Pandemic: Peer Research Impact Report – Children in Scotland
The Children in Scotland impact report reveals the benefits of peer research in participation projects. View here.
