15 month programme to assess impact of COVID-19 on VCSE organisations

Posted 21.09.2020

COVID-19 is having a major impact on the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector. Understandably much of the focus has been on the loss of funding within the sector, and the loss of services that has resulted from these funding cuts. Less attention has been placed on the impact COVID-19 is having on employees and volunteers, and the practices that organisations are adopting to respond to the pandemic. In particular, more information is needed about the ways in which the pandemic is impacting different types of organisations. The Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise sector barometer will go beyond headlines to gain a deeper understanding in real time as the impact of COVID-19 unfolds.

The VCSE barometer will run for 15 months, from September 2020 to November 2021. This is a very short survey (approximately 10-15 mins completion time), which can be completed on a mobile phone, lap top or computer, and it will capture key indicators about the impact that COVID-19 is having on the sector. The survey will have standard questions each month and then a few questions on the specific situation occurring at that time. The survey is run jointly by Nottingham Trent University, Sheffield Hallam University and NCVO.

The purpose of the survey is:

  • To provide real-time data and learning on how COVID-19 is impacting the whole sector and, significantly, how this varies across different organisations by size, structure and services offered.
  • To present lessons-learned reports regarding the impacts and responses to COVID-19 from organisations; particularly focusing on the new working-practices and innovations which can be scaled across the UK.
  • To put forward insights which it is envisioned will assist the long-term resilience of the entire VCSE sector.

One of the unique aspects of this barometer is the results will be publicly updated monthly.  The results will allow organisations a further understanding of what is happening within the sector; including learning from those of similar type and size throughout the UK. This barometer will have a dashboard which allows users to see how their experiences compare and are shared throughout the sector. This will help to better understand, share and learn lessons on a national scale.

In addition to improving shared knowledge and resilience throughout the UK’s VCSE sector, every month organisations that complete the survey will be entered into a prize draw with the potential to win £200. At the end of the project all participating organisations will also be entered into a prize draw to win £2,000.

TAKE PART IN THE SURVEY

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