SPARK Third Sector Research Partnership

Dr Anna Skeels from SPARK and Dave Horton (Consultant and ACE) provide the latest update on the Third Sector Research Partnership, a year later.

The SPARK Third Sector Research Partnership (TSRP) is an innovative approach to developing research skills and driving evidence-based change for the benefit of some of Cardiff’s most disadvantaged communities. This is done by providing pro bono research support to small and medium-sized organizations in the voluntary sector.

The relationship between these organizations and academics is carefully nurtured. This creates a foundation for long-term equal partnerships and the joint production of new research that can demonstrate impact, improve practices, and influence policies.

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, 10 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 10-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.

Each of the workshops will run for up to two hours – see here for dates, times and locations (including online) and sign up on Eventbrite for the workshop you want to attend by 5pm on 30 October:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1040824362687?aff=oddtdtcreator

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1040858595077?aff=oddtdtcreator

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1040860972187?aff=oddtdtcreator

If you can’t attend any of these sessions, but are interested in research support, please contact Anna Skeels SkeelsA1@cardiff.ac.uk or Dave Horton daveh.community@gmail.com