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Impact of Covid-19 on voluntary sector and social enterprises to be explored in major new study

The dramatic impact that Covid-19 is having on the voluntary sector and social enterprises is to be explored through a major new study led by Nottingham Business School, in conjunction with the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) and Sheffield Hallam University.

People packing boxes in masks
Voluntary organisations and social enterprises have had to quickly adapt during the pandemic

Researchers will be closely engaging with organisations to provide real-time information to policymakers and practitioners on what is occurring in different areas of the sector as the consequences of the coronavirus pandemic unfold.

The research findings will be used to create 15 monthly in-depth reports focusing on specific, timely issues. The data will be collected via a range of different research methods, including a panel survey of 100 diverse organisations tracked over time, as well as in-depth interviews with organisations to gain insights into how they are shaping their organisational practices in response to Covid-19.

A monthly impact barometer will provide real-time data which can be assessed over time. This survey will explore the financial impacts of Covid-19 to provide contextual insights into the core issues of how Covid-19 is transforming the organisation, organisational practices and people, including staff and volunteers. It will contain both fixed questions and questions adjusted to the phase of Covid-19 at that time.

The study will be led by Professor Daniel King, Professor of Organization Studies at Nottingham Business School, with Dr Tracey Coule, Professor of Non-profit Work and Organization in the Department of Management at Sheffield Hallam University.

Professor King said: “Covid-19 is having dramatic impacts on voluntary sector organisations and social enterprises. The pandemic has brought increased demand for services whilst simultaneously cuts have occurred to income, estimated at £4.3bn during March-May 2020 alone. This represents challenges to policymakers and practitioners in how they can best respond to the crisis.

“A key impact that Covid-19 has had on the sector is the way in which it has changed how organisations operate. Social distancing measures mean that paid staff, volunteers and beneficiaries can’t interact as usual, preventing many existing ways of working, often face-to-face, from occurring.

“Organisations have had to adapt quickly, some furloughing, others going digital or transforming their operations. In contrast some organisations are simply struggling to survive. This study will explore and analyse these changes so that organisations can learn from each other, and policymakers will be informed on the best actions to take to protect the sector.”

Karl Wilding, chief executive of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations, said: “This is an important piece of work – we need to deepen our understanding of how voluntary organisations are being impacted by the coronavirus pandemic so that we can fully play our part in the long road to recovery. The evidence gathered will help us make the case for real and decisive action to support the people most in need now and ensure that charities and volunteers can continue to support communities long into the future.”

The research is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) as part of the UK Research and Innovation’s rapid response to COVID-19.

The barometer is now live and can be accessed online.

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    About Nottingham Trent University

    Nottingham Trent University (NTU) was named University of the Year 2019 in the Guardian University Awards. The award was based on performance and improvement in the Guardian University Guide, retention of students from low-participation areas and attainment of BME students.

    NTU was also the Times Higher Education University of the Year 2017, and The Times and Sunday Times Modern University of the Year 2018. These awards recognise NTU for its high levels of student satisfaction, its quality of teaching, its engagement with employers, and its overall student experience.

    The university has been rated Gold in the Government’s Teaching Excellence Framework – the highest ranking available.

    It is one of the largest UK universities. With nearly 32,000 students and more than 4,000 staff located across four campuses, the University contributes £900m to the UK economy every year. With an international student population of more than 3,000 from around 100 countries, the University prides itself on its global outlook.

    The university is passionate about creating opportunities and its extensive outreach programme is designed to enable NTU to be a vehicle for social mobility. NTU is among the UK’s top five recruiters of students from disadvantaged backgrounds and was awarded University of the Year in the UK Social Mobility Awards 2019.

    A total of 82% of its graduates go on to graduate entry employment or graduate entry education or training within six months of leaving. Student satisfaction is high: NTU achieved an 87% satisfaction score in the 2019 National Student Survey.

    About NCVO

    The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) is the largest membership organisation for the voluntary sector in England. With over 15,000 members, NCVO represents all types of organisations, from large ‘household name’ charities to small voluntary and community groups involved at the local level. We are also the lead body for volunteering in England.

Published on 21 September 2020
  • Category: Press office; Research; Nottingham Business School