BIG and our predecessors have supported a number of research grants programmes that enable voluntary and community sector groups to identify needs that are important to them, and to develop and run research studies in partnership with academic institutions. In doing so we also wanted to build the research capacity of the sector.
In 2010 we appointed Ecorys to review:
- how far the programme had built skills in voluntary and community sector groups
- what had happened with findings from studies – had they influenced policy and the way services work?
- how BIG should design future research grants programmes.
Among other findings, the evaluation reported the following:
- Groups involved appreciated the existence of a programme that responded to their priorities rather than defining what areas could be studied.
- Our approach gave groups a real influence over and involvement in the way that studies ran, although roles and responsibilities could sometimes be clearer. The emphasis on user involvement often helped build beneficiaries’ self-esteem at the same time as developing research skills in funded groups.
- There were mixed findings about how far study findings had led to wider influence. This varied greatly between the projects involved. But being funded gave groups a certain level of prestige and credibility.
For future programmes, the report recommended that BIG should:
- link priorities more directly to our mission,
- retain the focus on projects having a VCS lead who works in partnership with academics,
- focus more on funding realistic research project outcomes and promote better sharing of findings and influence on policy and practice.
Read the evaluation report.
Read case studies from the evaluation.
Read an overview of an event where grant-holders shared their experiences and learning.
Good practice guides
Please contact us if you have any comments or questions.