External Research Reports

External Research Resources

There are a wealth of research reports and resources available online which provide examples of best practice and evidence which can help shape policy and decision-making. This page details free research resources as they become available.

Hidden Surrey Report

'Hidden Surrey'

by Dr Helen Bowcock

Community Foundation for Surrey launched its report 'Hidden Surrey', written by Dr Helen Bowcock at an event hosted by Michael and Sarah More-Molyneux at Loseley Park in March this year.

The important document provides a revealing perspective on the surprising depth of social disadvantage within Surrey. It is based on extensive research and consultation with voluntary and community groups and summarises the relevant key statistics. It also includes an inspiring range of examples of how people are currently helping those in need and building stronger communities in Surrey.

The report;

- Highlights issues surrounding the reality of life in Surrey rather than the perceived image;

- Looks at specific geographical areas of deprivation;

- Highlights funding issues and problems this is causing voluntary organisations;

- Shows how powerful voluntary organisations can be in local community and the need for them by providing a number of case studies across Surrey; and

- Makes a strong case for community philanthropy.

This 4 page leaflet provides a summary of the key points in the report and some examples of local community groups. For a full copy of the report please click here.

Institute for Volunteering Research Evidence Bank

The Evidence Bank is home to all of IVR's publicly available research. It is an easy-to-use searchable database of research, reports, bulletins, publications and journal articles. It currently contains almost 200 entries and is updated on an ongoing basis. You can search for research using keywords or by selecting one or more of the themes. You will find key information including author, year of publication, publisher, a short paragraph describing the publication/report and a link to the full report/bulletin where available.

For further information or queries regarding the Evidence Bank, please email ivr@volunteeringengland.org

Visit the IVR Evidence Bank at http://www.ivr.org.uk/evidence-bank

National Foundation for Educational Research in England and Wales

NFER is the UK’s largest independent provider of research, assessment and information services for education, training and children’s services. It undertakes around 200 research projects every year, spanning all sectors of education and children’s services, providing high quality, evidence-based research for policy makers, managers and practitioners. The NFER website is a one-stop-shop for anyone interested in education and improving children’s lives

Browse publications and findings at the NFER website at http://www.nfer.ac.uk/nfer/publications/?browse=alpha

Economic and Social Research Council

The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) funds research and training in social and economic issues.
The ESRC began in 1965 as the Social Science Research Council, comprising social science committees covering 14 disciplines ranging from anthropology to statistics. In 1983 the council was restructured under the new name of Economic and Social Research Council, focusing on six research areas: economic affairs, education and human development, environment and planning, government and law, industry and employment, and social affairs.

The ESRC has an international reputation both for providing high-quality research on issues of importance to business, the public sector and government, and for its commitment to training world-class social scientists. The quality of life and economic well-being of the UK and its citizens are just two of the many, policy-relevant issues addressed by research and training activities.

Visit the ESRC website at http://www.esrcsocietytoday.ac.uk

Educational Evidence Portal

This Educational Evidence Portal is a joint venture being taken forward by a group of organisations that wish to make research evidence more widely available. The Portal contains research reports from organisations including the Department for Education, BIS, BECTA, the Higher Education Academy, Teaching and Learning Research Programme and the CfBT.

Visit the portal at http://www.eep.ac.uk

Third Sector Research Centre

The third sector research centre exists to develop the evidence base on, for and with the third sector in the UK. Working closely with practitioners, policy-makers and other academics, TSRC undertakes and reviews research, and makes this research widely available. The Centre works in collaboration with the third sector, ensuring its research reflects the realities of those working within it, and helping to build the sector’s capacity to use and conduct research.

Visit the TSRC website at http://www.tsrc.ac.uk/

JISC

JISC inspires UK colleges and universities in the innovative use of digital technologies and new environments for learning, teaching and research, helping to maintain the UK’s position as a global leader in education. JISC provides electronic resources, publications and reports and advice through regional support centres.

Visit the JISC publications page at http://www.jisc.hosting.eduserv.org.uk/publications.aspx

CEREK Plus

CERUK plus is a free database, sponsored by NFER, DFE, DIUS and the EPPI Centre (The Evidence for Policy and Practice Information and Co-ordinating Centre), that seeks to include all recently completed and ongoing research in the United Kingdom, from large sponsored programmes to individual projects.

Information is gathered from all institutions where research is undertaken. This includes universities, colleges and also research organisations and consultancies, other specialised institutes and government agencies.