SCVO : Voluntary Sector Research Library

17 Mar 10 - Compendium of International Legal Instruments and Other Inter-governmental Commitments Concerning Core Civil Society Rights

CIVICUS : Wohlgemuth, R. (compiler); Tiwana, M. and Rubin, M. (eds)

The practical realisation of core civil society freedoms to express, associate and assemble, which are contained in a vast body of international law and inter-governmental commitments, is critical to civic existence and effective citizen participation. Nevertheless, in various contexts around the...
Read more...

17 Mar 10 - Building understanding of fairness, equality and good relations in Scotland

Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) : Dobbie, F.; Arthur, S.; Jones, N.

This research, carried out for the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) by ScotCen (Scottish Centre for Social Research) and NatCen (National Centre for Social Research), aims to build on existing evidence on public attitudes to explore further the Scottish public’s understanding of the...
Read more...

15 Mar 10 - Making Civil Justice Work for Consumers: The consumer perspective on making the civil justice system in Scotland fit for the 21st century

Consumer Focus Scotland : Crompton, G.

This report by Consumer Focus Scotland provides a consumer blueprint for the future of the civil justice system in Scotland. It sets out the consumer champion’s policy position on civil justice and highlights the key areas of the system that are priorities for reform. The principles underpinning...
Read more...

13 Mar 10 - Self-directed Support (Direct Payments), Scotland, 2009

The Scottish Government : The Scottish Government

This Statistics Release presents the latest figures for Self-directed Support (Direct Payments). The latest figures apply to payments made during the period 1st April 2008 to 31st March 2009 under section 12B of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968. People who receive Self-directed Support (Direct...
Read more...

12 Mar 10 - Survivarts Evaluation

West Lothian Council : Scottish Development Centre for Mental Heath

In March 2009 West Lothian Council approached the Scottish Development Centre for Mental Health to conduct an independent evaluation of their project Survivarts. Survivarts aimed to provide adult survivors of sexual abuse with regular arts activities to improve their general wellbeing. The...
Read more...

09 Mar 10 - The growing workforce in the voluntary and community sectors: analysis of the Labour Force Survey 1993-2009

Third Sector Research Centre : McKay, S.; Moro, D.

This paper describes employment trends in the UK Voluntary and Community Sectors (VCS) from 1993 to 2009. It also describes: (a) those groups that are more likely to work for the VCS, and (b) the composition of the VCS in 2008. The VCS has grown significantly in the UK during the last two...
Read more...

09 Mar 10 - The State of Happiness: Can public policy shape people's wellbeing and resilience?

This final Local Wellbeing Project report brings together four years of groundbreaking work based on in-depth pilots - from teaching resilience to children in schools to promoting neighbourliness - with three councils in very different areas of England: Manchester, Herfordshire and South...
Read more...

06 Mar 10 - Dimensions of Diversity: population differences and health improvement opportunities

NHS Health Scotland : Gordon, D.S.; Graham, L.; Robinson, M.; Taulbut, M.

This report provides a concise overview of basic information about 13 characteristics or groups of the population of Scotland, linking users to sources of further information. It covers: age, asylum seekers and refugees, carers, disability, ethnicity, language, literacy, migrants, poverty,...
Read more...

06 Mar 10 - Rural Scotland in Focus Report 2010

Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) : Skerratt, S. et al

This report has been written by researchers from SAC’s Rural Policy Centre, along with contributions from specialist authors from partner organisations, in transport, health, environment, the voluntary sector and rural services. It presents the latest evidence about the way that rural Scotland is...
Read more...

05 Mar 10 - Managing charity finances through uncertain times

Baker Tilly : Spears, K.; Singh, S.

This survey was carried out by the accountancy firm Baker Tilly during September and October 2009. It sought to discover how charities, some 18 months into the recession, have coped with the short-term issues affecting the sector and what the medium and long-term effects are likely to be. It...
Read more...

04 Mar 10 - The Role of Third Sector Innovation: Personalisation of health and social care and services to reduce re-offending - Recommendations

Cabinet Office : McGuire, A.

This report makes recommendations on the role of the third sector in England in the design and delivery of more personalised services within health and social care and services to reduce re-offending. These recommendations to Cabinet Office Ministers and other government departments aim to...
Read more...

04 Mar 10 - Protect, support, provide: Examining the role of grandparents in families at risk of poverty

Grandparents Plus / EHRC : Griggs, J.

This study begins by bringing together new British Social Attitudes (BSA) Survey data (including a re-analysis of older BSA data where new data is limited) and existing evidence from a broad body of literature to compile a picture of Britain’s grandparent population. It then goes on to consider the...
Read more...

03 Mar 10 - Government and the Third Sector: relationships at local level

SCVO / VAS : SCVO / VAS

In January 2010, the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) and Voluntary Action Scotland (VAS) conducted a survey of chief officers from Scotland’s third sector local infrastructure organisations and representatives from the sector's National Intermediary Network. The aim of the...
Read more...

26 Feb 10 - How Inequality Damages All Of Us: a transcript of the 2009 SURF Annual Lecture

Scottish Urban Regeneration Forum (SURF) / JRF : Pickett, K.

SURF's overall objective is to improve the health and wellbeing of residents in Scotland’s disadvantaged communities. It was established in 1992 as a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee and has a membership of over 250 organisations including local authorities, housing associations, health...
Read more...

24 Feb 10 - Everyone In: the minority ethnic LGBT project

This report is the conclusion of a nine month research project carried out by the Equality Network in partnership with Black and Ethnic Minority Infrastructure in Scotland (BEMIS) and funded by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). The research aims to promote greater recognition within...
Read more...

24 Feb 10 - Single Outcome Agreements 2009-10

Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) : Herbert, S.

This briefing paper provides an overview of the 2nd round of Single Outcome Agreements (SOAs) which were signed-off by the Scottish Government and Community Planning Partnerships (CPPs) in June 2009. It examines topics such as the principles underpinning the 2nd round of SOAs, their qualitative...
Read more...

24 Feb 10 -

23 Feb 10 - Mass Localism - a way to help small communities solve big social challenges

NESTA : Bunt, L.; Harris, M.

Policymakers increasingly recognise that many of the solutions to major social challenges – from tackling climate change to improving public health – need to be much more local. Local solutions are frequently very effective, as they reflect the needs of specific communities and engage citizens in...
Read more...

22 Feb 10 - Developing your Organisation's Research Capacity

SCVO : Research seminar

These four slide presentations were delivered at a seminar entitled entitled ‘Developing your Organisation’s Research Capacity’ which was held at the voluntary sector Gathering event in Edinburgh in February 2010. The titles of the presentations were as follows: • Introduction to the Uses of...
Read more...

22 Feb 10 - Developing your Organisation's Research Capacity

SCVO : Research seminar

22 Feb 10 - Developing your Organisation's Research Capacity

SCVO : Research seminar

22 Feb 10 - Developing your Organisation's Research Capacity

SCVO : Research seminar

20 Feb 10 - How do public bodies respond to freedom of information legislation? Administration, modernisation and democratisation

Policy and Politics : Taylor, J.; Burt, E.

This paper reflects on public service behaviour surrounding the early post-implementation period of the 2002 Freedom of Information [Scotland] Act. Drawing from research completed in September 2007 it examines the extent to which freedom of information (FOI) is generating new arrangements for...
Read more...

19 Feb 10 - Young people, volunteering and youth projects: a rapid review of recent evidence

v - the youth volunteering charity : Hill, M.; Russell, J.; Brewis, G.

This review was conducted by a consortium of organisations led by the National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) and involving the Institute for Volunteering Research (IVR), as part of the scoping study of a formative evaluation of v, the youth volunteering charity in England which was launched...
Read more...

31 Jan 10 - Do you know how supporting victims of crime is helping Scotland?

Victim Support Scotland : Petersson, F.

This document provides an overview of statistics and information to help illustrate the link between crime and the fulfilment of Scotland’s main targets. It shows how Victim Support Scotland can directly assist in delivering services in line with the national outcomes, indicators and targets; for...
Read more...

25 Jan 10 - Scoping Study on the Third Sector in Scotland

This paper reports the findings of a scoping study on the role of the third sector in Scotland. It combines an in depth literature review and interviews with key government and third sector leaders. It aims to identify knowledge gaps regarding the third sector in Scotland and lay the groundwork for...
Read more...

20 Jan 10 - UK Giving 2009

: Charities Aid Foundation / NCVO

UK Giving 2009 reports on charitable giving over the period that began as the ‘credit crunch’ and then turned into a recession. The results presented in the report are based on survey data gathered by the Office for National Statistics where respondents are asked whether they have donated in the...
Read more...

19 Jan 10 - 'Advocacy makes you feel brave': Advocacy support for children and young people in Scotland

Scottish Government : Elsley, S.

This report presents the findings from a scoping study into advocacy support for children and young people. The research was commissioned by the Scottish Government in order to find what advocacy services are available in Scotland, where they are and the circumstances in which they are available...
Read more...

19 Jan 10 - In our own words: The story behind examples of community empowerment in Scotland

Scottish Government : Social Regeneration Consultants (SRC)

The twelve case studies highlighted here represent a small cross section of many hundreds of community empowerment initiatives currently underway across Scotland. They show a range of models that can be empowering. They involve communities owning assets and people playing a key role in influencing...
Read more...

18 Jan 10 - Understanding participation: a literature review

NCVO / Institute for Volunteering Research / Involve : Brodie, E. et al

This literature review focuses on England and forms part of a major national 2.5 year research project called ‘Pathways through Participation: What creates and sustains active citizenship?’. The project aims to explore how and why people get involved and stay involved in different forms of...
Read more...

14 Jan 10 - Devolution's impact on low-income people and places

Joseph Rowntree Foundation : McCormick, J.; Harrop, A.

While many of the key powers to tackle poverty remain reserved to the UK Government, devolved administrations have signed up to UK targets on reducing child poverty, and more recently have developed their own strategies. This Round-up considers the impact devolution has had for low income people...
Read more...

06 Jan 10 - Living with the Land: Proposals for Scotland's First Sustainable Land Use Strategy

Scottish Environment Link : Mayhew, J.

This discussion paper will be of broad interest to researchers working in the areas of community involvement, climate change and sustainable development. It sets out the views of member bodies of Scottish Environment LINK regarding the land use strategy to be prepared under Section 57 of the...
Read more...

06 Jan 10 - Developing a Voluntary Sector Insight into the Future of Scotland

SCVO : Shah, R.

In early 2005, SCVO’s policy committee commissioned a ‘Lead Group’ of senior representatives from and connected to the voluntary sector to develop an initial insight into the future of Scotland from the perspective of voluntary organisations. To inform the Lead Group’s report, a series of ‘futures’...
Read more...

06 Jan 10 - Developing a Voluntary Sector Insight into the Future of Scotland

SCVO : Shah, R.

05 Jan 10 - Getting-On: Well-being in later life

Institute for Public Policy Research (ippr) : McCormick, J. et al

There is a lively policy debate about later life, dominated by how to improve pensions and social care, and who will foot the bill. But there is much less information about people’s experiences of growing older: their quality of life, their expectations and their emotional wellbeing. ippr’s work ...
Read more...

05 Jan 10 - Volunteering Information? The Use of Freedom of Information Laws by the Third Sector in Scotland - Survey Findings

University of Strathclyde / Scottish Information Commissioner : Spence, K.

The Scottish Information Commissioner is supporting the University of Strathclyde to undertake a three-year research study, which aims to explore the extent to which campaign groups and voluntary organisations in Scotland and the UK make use of freedom of information (FOI) legislation. The...
Read more...

04 Jan 10 - Community Policing: a Review of the Evidence

Scottish Government : Mackenzie, S.; Henry, A.

This report provides a brief assessment of the key themes in Community Policing (CP), together with a review of the international ‘what works’ evidence base which brings some clarity to what this kind of policing might reasonably be expected to achieve in Scotland. The evidence review is...
Read more...

21 Dec 09 - Home Care Services, Scotland, 2009

Scottish Government : National Statistics

A revised home care statistical collection was introduced in 1998. Local authorities are asked to provide details of all home care services provided by their own staff, and in addition, services bought in from other local authorities, and private / voluntary organisations. Information on client...
Read more...

16 Dec 09 - Gift Aid donor research: Exploring options for reforming higher-rate relief

HM Revenue and Customs and HM Treasury : Scharf, K.; Smith, S.

This research investigated the likely effect on donations of possible changes in Gift Aid that would remove income tax relief for higher-rate taxpayer donors and replace it with an increase in the tax relief to be claimed directly by charities. The research consisted of two elements. The main...
Read more...

15 Dec 09 - Evictions by social landlords in Scotland, 2008-09

Shelter Scotland : Camble, A.

This report follows Shelter Scotland's 2008 report 'Evictions by social landlords in Scotland' which set out the case for a concerted effort by social landlords to explore alternative mechanisms for dealing with arrears and to ensure that eviction is only used as an absolute last resort. The...
Read more...

11 Dec 09 - Wealth and Assets Survey 2006-08

The Wealth and Assets Survey 2006-08 collects information about the economic well-being of households and individuals in Great Britain. In particular the survey asks people about their assets and liabilities in order to estimate household and personal wealth. This includes information on; property,...
Read more...

09 Dec 09 - Mapping Scotland's Disability Organisations

Scottish Government : Johnston, L. et al

This report is one of a series of three produced as a result of research into disability organisations across Scotland and their capacity to influence public bodies. The other two reports are on the capacity of disability organisations to engage with public bodies and a guide to the resources...
Read more...

09 Dec 09 - The Capacity of Disability Organisations to Engage with Public Authorities

Scottish Government : Johnston, L. et al

This report is one of a series of three produced as a result of research into disability organisations across Scotland and their capacity to influence public authorities. The other two reports are on the mapping of disability organisations across Scotland and a guide to the resources available to...
Read more...

09 Dec 09 - A Resource Guide to Engagement Standards, Guidance and Toolkits

Scottish Government : Johnston, L. et al

This report is one of a series of three produced as a result of research into disability organisations across Scotland and their capacity to influence public bodies. The other two reports are on the mapping of disability organisations across Scotland and the capacity of disability organisations to...
Read more...

09 Dec 09 - Housing Statistics for Scotland

Scottish Government : Scottish Government

The Housing Statistics for Scotland web pages contain a range of time series and summary tables available to download in Excel format. The tables were last updated on 27 November 2009 and include data on housing activity in Scotland up to 30 September 2009 for social sector new build and affordable...
Read more...

09 Dec 09 - Civil Society: community, challenge and change

SCVO / Centre for Public Services Research : Battcock, M.

Civil society is all of the organisations and groups that occupy the space between the household, the state and the private sector. Civil society can play a valuable role in the delivery of services, can empower the poor and marginalized and campaign for policy change. For an effective and...
Read more...

09 Dec 09 - The Local Wellbeing Project

The Young Foundation : The Young Foundation

The Local Wellbeing Project is a three-year initiative to explore how local government in England and Wales can practically improve the happiness and wellbeing of citizens. The project brings together three very different local authorities – Manchester, Hertfordshire and South Tyneside – with the...
Read more...

08 Dec 09 - The climate debt crisis: why paying our dues is essential for tackling climate change

World Development Movement / Jubilee Debt Campaign : Jones,T.; Edwards, S.

This report explains the concept of 'climate debt', and explores how redressing the balance between international 'debtors' and 'creditors' is an essential prerequisite for effective global action to combat both climate change and poverty. It seeks to demonstrate why current attempts to deal with...
Read more...

08 Dec 09 - Adaptation to a changing climate: today's investments in tomorrow's climate

Consumer Focus : Compton, C. / Acclimatise

The UK Government, scientists, academia, non-government organisations (NGOs), businesses and financial markets increasingly recognise the reality society faces – that it needs to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions (mitigate) and adapt to inevitable climate change, including rising temperatures and...
Read more...

08 Dec 09 - Neighbourhood identity: people, time and place

Joseph Rowntree Foundation : Robertson, D.; Smyth, J.; McIntosh, I.

This study looks at the ways in which neighbourhood identity is formed and considers any implications this may have for policies that seek to improve and enhance neighbourhoods. Through an examination of three neighbourhoods in Stirling, the study explores what it means to people to ‘come from’...
Read more...

07 Dec 09 - Assessing the Ability to Pay for the Fees Charged by Charities (Stage 1 Report)

Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) : Stark, G. / Virtual Words

In March 2008 OSCR commissioned independent researchers, Virtual Worlds, to look at the ability of individuals or households to afford fees charged by charities. This research was commissioned in two stages: (1) Development and appraisal of possible methodologies to examine individuals’ and...
Read more...

07 Dec 09 - Assessing the Ability to Pay for the Fees Charged by Charities (Stage 2: Implementation)

Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) : Stark, G. / Virtual Words

To qualify as a charity, a body must have all charitable purposes and provide public benefit. The Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR), when assessing whether a body provides public benefit must have regard to whether any condition on obtaining that benefit is unduly restrictive. Unduly...
Read more...

06 Dec 09 - Monitoring poverty and social exclusion 2009

Joseph Rowntree Foundation : MacInnes, T.; Kenway, P.; Parekh, A.

'Monitoring poverty and social exclusion 2009' is the twelfth in a series of annual reports by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and the New Policy Institute. The reports assess a wide range of subjects including unemployment, education and health and are built around a set of 50 indicators using...
Read more...

30 Nov 09 - The Financial State of the Sector - Dec.'09

SCVO : Lees, I.

This report is in three parts: Part 1 presents a short summary of the official December 2009 assessment of the Scottish economy along with key points from the latest independent forecast from the Fraser of Allander Institute at the University of Strathclyde. Part 2 presents the most recently...
Read more...

27 Nov 09 - "Sectarianism" and the Workplace: a Report to the Scottish Trades Union Congress and the Scottish Government

STUC : Finn, G.; Uygun, F.; Johnson, A.

The origins of this study lie in the concerns summed up in a resolution passed at the 2005 STUC Congress (Amended Resolution No. 65 Sectarianism in the Workplace). This was a wide-ranging motion that recognized the variety of ways in which sectarianism could be expressed in Scottish society and...
Read more...

26 Nov 09 - Evaluation of the Coalfields Regeneration Trust Activity in Scotland

Coalfields Regeneration Trust : Coburn, J. / EKOS Ltd.

The Coalfields Regeneration Trust (CRT) was formed in 1999 as an independent charity that operates on a UK-wide basis. The Trust’s mission is to lead the way in coalfields regeneration and to restore healthy, prosperous, and sustainable communities. It is funded in Scotland by the Scottish...
Read more...

26 Nov 09 - The Third Sector in Inverness-shire: a profile

CVS Inverness : CVS Inverness

This report has been produced as a result of a summer-long database update project, as a way of profiling the sector and reviewing the processes involved in that project. The report identifies key statistics in relation to the third sector in Inverness-shire, including the scale of the sector, the...
Read more...

22 Nov 09 - Access to independent advocacy: an evidence review

The Office for Disability Issues : Townsley, R.; Marriot, A.; Ward, L.

The Independent Living Strategy, launched in March 2008, committed the UK Government to investigate the effectiveness and cost benefit of advocacy support for disabled people in situations where they are at particular risk of losing choice and control. This review delivers on that commitment by...
Read more...

19 Nov 09 - State of Social Enterprise Survey 2009

Social Enterprise Coalition : Leahy, G.; Villeneuve-Smith, F.

This report presents the findings of the State of Social Enterprise Survey 2009 – the largest survey of its kind of social enterprises in the UK. Its results are taken from 962 telephone interviews with senior figures within social enterprises. Its purpose is to shed light on the sector’s size,...
Read more...

18 Nov 09 - Opportunities and Barriers to Consortia Bidding for Public Sector Contracts

Scottish Government : Holmes, J. et al / Wood Holmes Group / Accelerate

This study was commissioned by the Scottish Government in order to identify opportunities and barriers faced by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Social Enterprises (SEs) in bidding as consortia for public sector contracts in Scotland and to recommend a strategy to encourage consortia bidding...
Read more...

16 Nov 09 - Switching Off: Attitudes to switching energy suppliers among disadvantaged consumers

Consumer Focus Scotland : Faulk, A. / Blake Stevenson

This study, commissioned by Scottish Consumer Focus, reports on the findings of eight focus groups held across Scotland. It aims to improve understanding of the attitudes and barriers to switching energy suppliers among disadvantaged consumers, including older people, those with learning...
Read more...

12 Nov 09 - Signing on and stepping up? Single parents' experience of welfare reform

Gingerbread : Peacey, V.

The welfare system in the UK for single parents with older children has begun to change. Parents are being asked to seek paid work and take up a job that is offered, rather than being able to choose to parent full-time if that is what they feel is best. This research takes a qualitative approach...
Read more...

12 Nov 09 - Measuring What Matters - Conference Report

Community Development Alliance Scotland : CDAS / IACD / Carnegie UK Trust

On 27 March 2009 the Community Development Alliance Scotland (CDAS), in partnership with the International Association for Community Development (IACD), Carnegie UK Trust and the Scottish Community Development Centre (SCDC) hosted a conference in Dundee attended by 180 practitioners, policymakers...
Read more...

11 Nov 09 -

11 Nov 09 - Informing Future Approaches to Tackling Multiple Deprivation in Communities: Beyond the Fairer Scotland Fund

The Fairer Scotland Fund (FSF) was established in 2008 and brought together seven separate funds which had been targeted at tackling deprivation in Scotland. In January 2009, the Scottish Government commissioned research on the development and implementation of the FSF by Community Planning...
Read more...

11 Nov 09 - Review of the Scottish Helpline for Older People

The Scottish Helpline for Older People (SHOP) is a telephone helpline service and website for older people (aged 50 and over), supported by a Consortium committed to improving the delivery of information and advice to older people. SHOP was established in 2004. The majority of its funding comes...
Read more...

11 Nov 09 - Managing the Needs of Drunk and Incapable People in Scotland: a Literature Review and Needs Assessment

Scottish Government : Griesbach, D.; Lardner, C.; Russell, P.

The purpose of this research was to identify what need there is in Scotland for services for people who become drunk and incapable in public. This involved not only estimating the size and nature of the problem, but also looking in detail at how the needs of this population are currently being...
Read more...

11 Nov 09 - The Happy Planet Index 2.0: why good lives don't have to cost the Earth

The Happy Planet Index (HPI) was launched in July 2006 as a radical departure from our current obsession with GDP. Working from first principles, the report identified health and a positive experience of life as universal human goals, and the natural resources that our human systems depend upon as...
Read more...

10 Nov 09 - Single Outcome Agreements 2009-10: an analysis by CCPS

Community Care Providers Scotland (CCPS) : Gooday, K.

In November 2008, Community Care Providers Scotland published an analysis of the 2008-09 Single Outcome Agreements (SOAs), looking in particular for references to the aspirations for social care as set out in the ‘Changing Lives’ review of social work in Scotland, and for ways in which local...
Read more...

10 Nov 09 - The Civil Society Research Project

University of Strathclyde / Scottish Information Commissioner : Spence, K.

The Scottish Information Commissioner is supporting the University of Strathclyde to undertake a three-year research study which aims to explore the extent to which campaign groups and voluntary organisations in Scotland and the UK make use of freedom of information (FOI) legislation. The...
Read more...

10 Nov 09 - Mental Health Improvement: Evidence and Practice

Health Scotland : Scottish Development Centre for Mental Health

The aim of this study was to identify and collate examples of current practice in mental health improvement in Scotland, with a focus on case studies of work that is evidence based, follows good practice guidelines and gives indications of effectiveness. The report describes the process adopted to...
Read more...

10 Nov 09 -

10 Nov 09 - Communities in recession: the impact on deprived neighbourhoods

Joseph Rowntree Foundation : Tunstall, R.; Fenton, A.

This summary report explores the relationship between previous and current unemployment trends. It shows which areas in England and Wales have been hardest hit by the recession, and it suggests how local authorities, community and voluntary organisations can help maintain gains and...
Read more...

08 Nov 09 - The third sector - discussions around key public policy issues

ESRC : Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)

In early 2009 the ESRC, in collaboration with the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) and with support from the Scottish Government, organised a series of three public policy seminars in Edinburgh which drew together a wide range of third sector practitioners and leading academics...
Read more...

06 Nov 09 -

06 Nov 09 - The State and the Voluntary Sector: recent trends in government funding and public service delivery

At a time when public expenditure is under pressure, this NCVO research publication contains the latest easy-to-understand intelligence on the UK statutory funding relationship. Figures typically refer to 2006-07 although some figures, such as those relating to the value of tax reliefs to UK...
Read more...

05 Nov 09 - A Social Capital Framework and Assessment for Glasgow

The Social Capital Working Group : FMR Research Ltd.

This report assesses the levels of social capital in Glasgow and the potential scope for developing it. It looks at five dimensions of social capital: social participation; social networks and social support; reciprocity and trust; civic participation; and people’s views of the local area. It sets...
Read more...

01 Nov 09 - Alcohol and Ageing: the views of older women and carers

Alcohol Focus Scotland : Plant, M.; Curran, J.; Brooks, R.

Alcohol Focus Scotland's Gender Issues Network on Alcohol (GINA) Project came into existence through a growing recognition on the increase in alcohol consumption among women and the associated health and social impacts. GINA provides information, support and assistance through a range of programmes...
Read more...

30 Oct 09 - Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation 2009

The Scottish Government : The Scottish Government and National Statistics

The Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) presents a picture of multiple deprivation across Scotland by combining 38 indicators across 7 domains, namely: income, employment, health, education, skills and training, housing, geographic access and crime. This method has been used to track...
Read more...

30 Oct 09 -

27 Oct 09 - Preliminary Case Studies of the Application of Economic Evidence of Health Improvement Work in Community-led Projects and Organisations

NHS Health Scotland : Peter Taylor / Peter D Taylor Consultancy and Research

This study was commissioned by NHS Health Scotland to explore the potential value of economic evidence of health improvement work undertaken by community and voluntary organisations, using a case study approach. It sought to provide examples of whether and how community-led groups and organisations...
Read more...

21 Oct 09 - The Evidence Base for Third Sector Policy in Scotland: A Review of Selected Recent Literature

The Scottish Government : Dacombe, R.; Bach, S. / Kings College, London

This review provides an overview and evaluation of the literature and research evidence dealing with the third sector in Scotland. It draws on more than one hundred pieces of evidence. The overall aim of the study was ‘to review the research evidence and assess the current contribution of the third...
Read more...

05 Oct 09 - Good practice in community engagement from an equality perspective

This review brings together existing knowledge and current and recent examples of work, to identify some key messages in effective community engagement from an equality perspective. Two main methods were used: 1. A search of key sources of research literature, involving an internet search; the...
Read more...

30 Sep 09 - The Scottish Health Survey 2008

The Scottish Health Survey 2008 is presented in two volumes: a main report and a technical report. Previous surveys were published in 1995, 1998 and 2003. The 2008 report is the first to be published following a major review in 2005/2006 which included the recommendation that the survey should be...
Read more...

22 Sep 09 - Responding to the Rooftops - Climate change and social justice: what can UK foundations do?

Carnegie United Kingdom Trust : Burkeman, S.

As a member of the Woburn Place Collaborative, the Carnegie UK Trust (CUKT) commissioned the consultant Steven Burkeman to: explore the degree of urgency which trusts and foundations attach to working on the social justice implications of climate change; identify the kinds of interventions to which...
Read more...

17 Sep 09 - Differential Social Impacts of Climate Change in the UK

To inform UK climate change adaptation responses, the Scotland and Northern Ireland Forum for Environmental Research (SNIFFER) commisioned CAG Consultants to identify how climate change affects different people within the UK and to identify the adaptation measures that will need to consider...
Read more...

10 Sep 09 - Operation of the Homeless Persons Legislation in Scotland: 2008-09

Scottish Government Statistician Group : Official Statistics for Scotland

This bulletin provides information on homelessness applications, assessments and outcomes to 31 March 2009. It includes information on the characteristics of applicant households, local authority assessments and the action taken in respect of cases that were concluded. Snapshot data on households...
Read more...

04 Sep 09 - Poverty, inequality and human rights

Joseph Rowntree Foundation : Donald, A.; Mottershaw, E.

This report considers how other countries have used human rights to tackle poverty and how this could be applied in the UK. In particular, the report covers: • how human rights have been used to understand poverty; • how communities experiencing poverty use human rights to act against injustice,...
Read more...

04 Sep 09 - Drowning in Debt

Drowning in Debt reports on research amongst Scottish citizens advice bureau (CAB) debt clients in 2008. Since the last survey commissioned by Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) and conducted in 2003, personal debt has reached new record levels and consumer debt is consistently the biggest single issue...
Read more...

23 Aug 09 - Review of Care and Repair Projects

Care and Repair in Scotland primarily supports older and disabled people living in the private sector to remain living in their own homes by providing assistance with housing repairs, improvements or adaptations. This review provides a contextual analysis of Care and Repair projects and makes a...
Read more...

23 Aug 09 - Consultation on the key findings and recommendations from the National Parks Review - analysis of consultation responses

In 2008, a strategic review of Scotland’s two National Park Authorities (NPAs) was carried out as part of the Scottish Government’s commitment to ‘More Effective Government’. A consultation on the key findings and recommendations from this Review was published by the Landscapes and Habitats...
Read more...

11 Aug 09 - State of the Sector Panel Survey (England)

Office of the Third Sector, Cabinet Office : Green, H.

The State of the Sector Panel (SOSP) Survey was made up of 5,600 third sector organisations based in England. The broad aim of the research was to monitor progress in meeting the Spending Review 2004 Public Service Agreement (PSA8) target of ‘increasing voluntary and community sector activity,...
Read more...

11 Aug 09 - Identifying the Priorities of Tenants and Social Landlords

This research was carried out with tenants of social landlords to inform the proposed introduction of a Scottish Social Housing Charter, and modernisations to the regulatory framework of social housing in Scotland. Using both quantitative and qualitative methods, the study aimed to explore both...
Read more...

10 Aug 09 - Use and Understanding of the Scottish Government Urban Rural Classification

Scottish Government : Granville, S.; Mulholland, S.; Staniforth, J.

The Scottish Government Urban Rural Classification is a 6 fold classification which distinguishes between urban, rural and remote areas. The Scottish Government commissioned this study to investigate the extent to which this classification is used, how it is used and by whom. The study combined...
Read more...

09 Aug 09 - Service Commissioning and Procurement Survey

Scottish Government : Tyrer, P.

The Service Commissioning and Procurement Survey was designed to find out more about the views, attitudes and experiences of procurement and commissioning staff working in local authorities, particularly in relation to 'the enterprising third sector'...
Read more...

03 Aug 09 - Developing the Equality Measurement Framework: selecting the indicators

Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) : Alkire, S. et al

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has been working with the Government Equalities Office (GEO), the Scottish Government, the Welsh Assembly Government, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and a range of other stakeholders and subject experts to develop a measurement framework...
Read more...

31 Jul 09 - Equality issues in Scotland: a review of research, 2000-08

Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) : Macpherson, S.; Bond, S.

In January 2008, the Employment Research Institute at Edinburgh Napier University was commissioned by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) to review the research and statistical data relating to equalities in Scotland, with a view to highlighting the key messages from published studies...
Read more...

27 Jul 09 - Living with poverty: a review of the literature on childrens' and families' experiences of poverty

Child Poverty Unit, DWP : Tess Ridge

This report presents the findings from an extensive review of recent research examining the views and experiences of low-income children and parents, covering topics such as housing, schools, neighbourhoods, public services and family life. The author draws on evidence from in-depth interviews,...
Read more...

27 Jul 09 - Greenspace Scotland - Omnibus Survey

Greenspace Scotland : Progressive Partnership

Greenspace Scotland was established in 2003 by Scottish Natural Heritage and partners, to provide a lead on local action to improve the environment of Scottish towns and cities and to drive forward the Greenspace for Communities (GfC) Initiative. The GfC Initiative and Greenspace Scotland were...
Read more...

27 Jul 09 - Public and Charity Perspectives - OSCR's 2009 Surveys

Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) : Scotinform Ltd.

The overall aim of this research was to gauge and track the opinions of charity trustees and the general public in order to provide evidence to inform OSCR’s decision making. The results may be compared with OSCR’s 2008 surveys of trustees and the general public, and the 2008 Charity Commission for...
Read more...

22 Jul 09 - Community facilities in rural Scotland: a study of their use, provision and condition

Scottish Government : Skerratt, S. et al

The main aims of this research were to gather and analyse data on the current provision and condition of rural community facilities (RCFs) and to assess the levels and nature of their use. A combination of desk-based and primary research was undertaken to meet these aims. This included a review...
Read more...

20 Jul 09 - Perspectives on Early Years Services: Qualitative Research with Service Users

The Scottish Government commissioned GEN and Illuminate (specialist 'drama in education' practitioners) to undertake qualitative research with parents, carers and children to explore their views and experiences of early interventions, early years services and support for families with young...
Read more...

20 Jul 09 -

19 Jul 09 - Funding practice and funding gaps for the equality voluntary sector in Scotland

Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) : Shah, R.; Lees, I. / SCVO

The overall aim of this study was to identify best funding practice and key gaps in the funding of voluntary sector equalities organisations in Scotland. Fieldwork was carried out in early 2008. The research methods, which comprised of a desk study, a mapping survey, telephone interviews, two...
Read more...

19 Jul 09 - Social Change in Scottish Fishing Communities: a Brief Literature Review and Annotated Bibliography

The Scottish Government commissioned this lierature review in order to gain a better understanding of how communities which have been involved in the fishing industry have been affected by wider changes in Scottish society and by the substantial changes that have occurred across the fishing and...
Read more...

18 Jul 09 - Baseline assessment of current information provision to people with dementia and their carers

NHS QIS / Stirling Dementia Services Development Centre : Bowes, A.M. et al

There is evidence that people with dementia and their carers do not receive sufficient, clear information about the condition, services available, what to expect as time goes on and where to get help. There is, however, every indication that better information at the right times can sustain care...
Read more...

17 Jul 09 - Evaluation of the Cultural Pathfinder Programme in Scotland

Scottish Government : EKOS

The Cultural Pathfinder Programme in Scotland was developed by the former Scottish Executive as a way of supporting local authorities and their partners to explore ways of widening access to, and participation in, cultural activities across diverse communities. The Programme supported 13 projects...
Read more...

17 Jul 09 - An Exploration of Scottish Charities' Governance and Accountability

This research analyses Scottish charities' annual reports and accounts, examines their processes for governance and accountability, conducts interviews and undertakes a number of case studies to evaluate the awareness and perceptions of governance and accountability in the Scottish charity sector....
Read more...

14 Jul 09 - Managing in a Downturn: November 2008 survey results

The purpose of this report is to provide an insight into the current perceptions of Finance Directors and Fundraisers as to the potential impact of the economic downturn on their charities. The survey includes responses from a small Scottish sample. The report also looks at the overall lessons...
Read more...

09 Jul 09 - The role of the third sector in health improvement within Community Health Partnerships: a sector perspective

Voluntary Health Scotland : Voluntary Health Scotland

This enquiry seeks to clarify the planning and delivery contribution of the third sector to health improvement within CHPs and articulate the unique value brought to health improvement by the sector. The results of the enquiry are based on responses from 33 senior members of third sector...
Read more...

09 Jul 09 - Improving CHP engagement with the third sector: A survey of CHP General Managers

Voluntary Health Scotland : Voluntary Health Scotland

In order to support the further development of local partnerships for health planning and delivery, Voluntary Health Scotland (VHS) carried out a survey with General Managers (GMs) of CHPs in 2008 to identify where supports could be targeted for building more effective partnerships with the third...
Read more...

09 Jul 09 -

08 Jul 09 - Social Economy 2008

Scottish Government : Scottish Government

Scotland's Chief Statistician launched Social Economy 2008 in late June 2009. The publication includes data which is used to monitor the national target to increase the turnover of the social economy in Scotland. The social economy captures the economic activity of the third sector, which...
Read more...

01 Jul 09 - Follow Up Survey of Leavers from Scottish Schools, 2007/08

This Statistics Publication Notice presents national information on the follow-up destination status in March/April 2009 of those young people who left school in school year 2007/08. The publication provides information on the change in status of these young people since information was published...
Read more...

01 Jul 09 - Review of the Scottish Drugs Forum

This review is part of a rolling programme of external reviews of voluntary organisations in receipt of major recurring grants from the Scottish Government. These are mainly focused on support for the national infrastructure of the voluntary sector: umbrella and representative bodies, as well as...
Read more...

25 Jun 09 - Community Empowerment Case Study Research

Scottish Government : Pete Duncan, Social Regeneration Consultants

This document summarises the research findings of a project designed to explore in detail examples of community empowerment practice in Scotland. The research was intended to allow case studies to fully describe their experiences and tell their story of how their community empowerment activity...
Read more...

25 Jun 09 - Community Empowerment Case Study Research

Scottish Government : Pete Duncan, Social Regeneration Consultants

17 Jun 09 - Leading the Way: a vision for the future of voluntary sector support services in West Lothian

West Lothian Council and the Scottish Government : Avanté Consulting

During October and November 2008 just over 100 stakeholders from both the voluntary and statutory sector took part in a range of opportunities associated with this commission. This included a combination of one-to-one, small group and telephone interviews, staff and committee meetings (separately...
Read more...

17 Jun 09 - Leading the Way: a vision for the future of Voluntary Sector Support Services in West Lothian

The starting point for partners in this commission was to engage stakeholders in discussion about their vision for a coherent infrastructure for the third sector in West Lothian. During October and November 2008 just over 100 stakeholders from both the voluntary and statutory sectors took part in a...
Read more...

09 Jun 09 - Service Provision for Children & Young People with Complex Needs in a Community Setting from the Perspectives of Nursing & Allied Health Professionals

This research has sought to scope the nature and provision of care provided by Nurses and Allied Health Professionals in the provision of services for children and young people with complex needs across Scotland. Drawing on data from four Health Boards, the report links together information from...
Read more...

08 Jun 09 - Training Needs Analysis of the Voluntary Sector in the Highlands & Islands

Highlands & Islands Community Capacity Partnership (HICCaP) : GEN Consulting

This is a summary report of research carried out by GEN Consulting in 2007. The main purpose of the analysis was to ensure that the Highlands and Islands Community Capacity Partnership (HICCaP) and key partners had the necessary and sufficient information to keep in touch with the skills required...
Read more...

07 Jun 09 - Overview of mental health services

The Auditor General for Scotland and the Accounts Commission : Audit Scotland

This report provides an overview of mental health services across Scotland and is the first in a series of planned reports in this area. The study was carried out in order to highlight areas for improvement and to identify priorities for future audit work. It considers mental health services...
Read more...

07 Jun 09 - Volunteering in Museums: a research study into volunteering within museums

Museums Galleries Scotland : Baird, L.; Greenaway, L.

The purpose of this study was to provide robust evidence of the impact of volunteering in museums and galleries, as well as a demographic profile of the sector. The research involved a survey to all 210 members of Museums Galleries Scotland in January and February 2009. In total 84 members...
Read more...

05 Jun 09 - Investing in Affordable Housing, a Consultation: an Analysis of Responses

Scottish Government Social Research : Scott, J.; Reid, S. / ODS Consulting

This report provides an analysis to the Scottish Government consultation “Investing in Affordable Housing”. It looks in detail at the responses to the consultation questions and it also provides an analysis of the views of particular groups such as local authorities, Registered Social Landlords...
Read more...

05 Jun 09 - Civil Society Organisations and Worker Representation: report of the key findings for participants

The Nuffield Foundation : Williams, S.; Abbott, B.; Heery, E.

This research project (June 2007-Aug.2008) investigates the role played by UK civil society organisations (e.g. charities, advocacy bodies) in supporting and representing the interests of people at work. Based on the use of existing documentation, a postal survey of organisations and case studies,...
Read more...

04 Jun 09 - A Gathering Storm? Procurement, re-tendering and the voluntary sector social care workforce

This report assesses the impact of the re-tendering of social care services on workforce morale and commitment in the voluntary sector, outlining the implications for national workforce policy and planning in Scotland. It summarises the results of research undertaken in three voluntary sector...
Read more...

03 Jun 09 - Tackling Multiple Deprivation in Communities: Considering the Evidence

Scottish Government Social Research : Andrew Fyfe, ODS Consulting

This desk based report was prepared for Communities Analytical Services and the Regeneration Division within the Housing and Regeneration Directorate of the Scottish Government. It aims to: • provide an understanding of the current context for geographically focused community regeneration in...
Read more...

03 Jun 09 - Scottish Government Stakeholder Survey 2008

The purpose of the 2008 Stakeholder Study was to identify areas of strength and weaknesses in the Scottish Government’s approach to stakeholder engagement. Similar surveys were carried out in 2004 and 2005 on behalf of the previous Scottish Executive. Survey fieldwork took place from 18 August...
Read more...

30 May 09 - Child poverty in Scotland: taking the next steps

Joseph Rowntree Foundation : Sinclair, S.; McKendrick, J.H.

This 'viewpoint paper' is informed by evidence from a series of reports by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation on different aspects of child poverty in the UK, and by independent analyses of evidence, new policy and proposed policy from the UK and Scottish Governments. It summarises and comments on the...
Read more...

30 May 09 - Child Poverty: a Final Report to the Local Government and Communities Committee of the Scottish Parliament

This research was commissioned in August 2008, following the setting up of an Inquiry in Spring 2008 to examine Child Poverty in Scotland. The main purpose of the research was to fill a gap in the evidence base and to obtain the views of parents living in poverty and of the impact that poverty had...
Read more...

25 May 09 - Development Trusts in 2008

Development Trusts Association : Rosy Hearn

Development trusts are defined as organisations that are: • engaged in the economic, environmental and social regeneration of a defined area • independent, aiming for self-sufficiency, and not for private profit • community based, owned and managed • actively involved in partnerships between...
Read more...

24 May 09 - Effective Community Development Approaches of Community Anchors: Desk-based study to inform the bassac project

Institute for Voluntary Action Research : Aiken, M.; Cairns, B.

This literature review formed part of a research project on community development in community anchor organisations, carried out by the British Association of Settlements and Social Action Centres (bassac) on behalf of the Community Alliance (funded by the Office of the Third Sector) between...
Read more...

22 May 09 -

The Scottish Government Summit held on 9 February 2009 aimed to bring together local and national partners to ensure that Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE) would effectively meet the complex needs of companies and individuals during the current recession.

22 May 09 - Civil society associations and the values of social justice

Carnegie UK Trust : Craig, G.

This is a report of a study undertaken in 2008 into the relationship between civil society associations (CSAs) and the values of social justice. The paper was commissioned to inform the Carnegie UK Trust Inquiry into the Future of Civil Society in the UK and Ireland. The report explores how CSAs...
Read more...

22 May 09 -

22 May 09 - Measuring Value: a guide to Social Return on Investment (SROI)

New Economics Foundation (nef) : Lawlor, E.; Neitzert, E.; Nicholls, J.

SROI is a tool that translates social value into data that can be understood by a range of stakeholders. It can be carried out largely as an in-house exercise or, alternatively, it can be led by an external researcher. This guide has two purposes: to increase understanding about SROI generally,...
Read more...

21 May 09 - Making the Links: greenspace for a more successful and sustainable Scotland

greenspace scotland : James Henderson, Deryck Irving, Elaine Gibb, Julie Procter

greenspace scotland was established in 2003 by Scottish Natural Heritage and partners to provide a national lead on local action to improve the environment of Scotland's towns and cities and to drive forward the Greenspace for Communities Initiative. This publication is produced in two parts....
Read more...

18 May 09 - Housing for Disabled Children and their Families

Joseph Rowntree Foundation : Judith Cavet

Housing is a core component of community care. However, its significance for disabled children and their families is only now being fully recognised. This resource draws together information from multiple sources to aid access to relevant research, law and policy guidance. Its aim is to present key...
Read more...

15 May 09 - Evaluation of Intensive Family Support Services in Scotland

Scottish Government : Pawson, H. et al

Reducing anti-social behaviour (ASB) and building a culture of respect have been key Central Government priorities both in Scotland and south of the border in recent years. Accordingly, measures to tackle ASB have been located within a wider policy agenda of revitalising disadvantaged...
Read more...

13 May 09 - Crossing the Continuum: Understanding routes out of homelessness and examining ‘what works’

Glasgow Simon Community : Carol McNaughton

The PATHE (Progress Assessment Through Homelessness and Employability) Research Project was funded by the Scottish Executive and conducted by a researcher employed by the Glasgow Simon Community. The Glasgow Simon Community work with homeless people in the city and aim to offer a ‘continuum of...
Read more...

12 May 09 - Prosperity without growth? The transition to a sustainable economy

Sustainable Development Commission : Jackson, T.

The conventional formula for achieving prosperity relies on the pursuit of economic growth. In this view, higher incomes will increase wellbeing and lead to prosperity for all. This report challenges that formula. It questions whether economic growth is still a legitimate goal for rich countries...
Read more...

08 May 09 - Poverty and Income Inequality in Scotland: 2007/08

Scottish Government : Scottish Government Social Justice Analysis Team

This publication supersedes ‘Scottish Households Below Average Income 2006/07’ which was published in June 2008. It presents annual estimates of the proportion and number of children, working age adults and pensioners living in low income households in Scotland and the distribution of household...
Read more...

08 May 09 - A methodological workshop on attitudes to equality in Scotland

In February 2008, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) in Scotland commissioned Blake Stevenson to develop a bank of questions on equality and to engage the research community in Scotland in the debate about what is meant by equality and why it matters. The purpose of the project was to...
Read more...

07 May 09 - Profile of the community learning and development workforce in Scotland

Learning Connections : Lifelong Learning UK

This publication presents the findings of a survey of the community learning and development (CLD) workforce in public sector and third sector organisations in Scotland in 2007. Respondents included members of the community based adult learning workforce, youth workers, those involved in community...
Read more...

06 May 09 - Culture and Sport Pathfinder Project: ASC Edinburgh (Access to Sport and Culture)

Following an extensive programme of stakeholder consultation in 2008, this report updates the City of Edinburgh Council Culture and Leisure Committee on the ASC Edinburgh (Access to Sport and Culture) Pathfinder initiative. It presents a summary of the process to date and proposes a way forward for...
Read more...

05 May 09 - Voices from Rural Scotland: what really matters to the people who live and work in Scotland's rural communities

The Carnegie UK Trust : SCVO Rural Team

This research was designed to address the following questions: • What are the current issues of importance to people who live and work in Scotland’s rural communities? • Why are these issues important to them? • What are the implications for the development and implementation of rural policy at...
Read more...

01 May 09 - UNCRC Concluding Observations: consulting children and young people on children's rights

Scottish Government : Young Scot

The national youth information charity Young Scot was commissioned by the Scottish Government in late summer of 2008 to seek the views of young people from across Scotland on what they thought about the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child‟s Concluding Observations relating to the...
Read more...

29 Apr 09 - Finding the Way: employability and the prevention and alleviation of homelessness

Scottish Government : Wooley, G.

This report is part of the Scottish Homelessness and Employability Network's (SHEN) task of identifying and promoting "what works" in providing people at risk of homelessness with skills for sustainable employment. It reviews the way in which employability services are being developed for and...
Read more...

29 Apr 09 - Working it Out: towards an employability strategy for those facing homelessness

Communities Scotland : Wooley, G.; McNaughton, C.

This report reviews the way employability as a route out of homelessness has been considered in Scotland between 2001 and 2004. It looks at the evidence in Scotland for employability as a successful strategy to combat the risk of homelessness, and considers whether this process leads to sustainable...
Read more...

29 Apr 09 - Evaluation of the Working for Families Fund (2004-2008)

The Working for Families Fund (WFF) contributed to the Scottish Government‘s commitment to: tackling poverty and disadvantage, by improving rates of employment and economic activity and: eradicating child poverty within a generation. In April 2008 WFF funding was streamlined into the Fairer...
Read more...

28 Apr 09 - Manual for Measures of Caring Activities and Outcomes for Children and Young People

This Manual is intended to provide researchers and practitioners in the field of caring with relevant and accessible instruments for the assessment of caring activities and caring outcomes in children and young people. The instruments can be used on a one-off basis for the purpose of assessment, or...
Read more...

28 Apr 09 - Review of Section 5 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001

This research was undertaken by Craigforth for the Scottish Government in order to to inform the Government's review of policy and guidance in this area. The research examined the use of Section 5 of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 and other routes through which local authorities assist statutorily...
Read more...

23 Apr 09 - Charitable bequests and wealth at death in Great Britain

: Atkinson, A.B., Backus, P.G., and Micklewright, J.

Charitable bequests, or legacies, are a major source of income for charities but surprisingly little is known about them in Britain. This working paper reviews the small British and larger US literatures and considers how best to model the decision to make a charitable bequest. It identifies three...
Read more...

17 Apr 09 - Steps to Successful Community-led Service Provision in Rural Areas

Carnegie UK : Carnegie UK

This practical report takes an in-depth look into community-led service provision in rural areas. It concludes a three year action research project by Carnegie partners, Atlantis Leisure. Based on their experience of running an extremely successful community enterprise, the study examines the...
Read more...

16 Apr 09 - Making it work: Analysing different ways of tackling worklessness

CLES : Centre for Local Economic Strategies (CLES)

Subtitled 'Carrot or Stick - the Jobcentre cannot do both', this report argues that Jobcentre Plus is constrained in its efforts to assist residents to find work by a system that is not wholly responsive to personal needs or to local contexts. This report provides an analysis of different...
Read more...

15 Apr 09 - Close to Home: UK poverty and the economic downturn

Oxfam : Oxfam

The UK is in recession, and things stand to get much worse for the fifth of the population already living in poverty, and for the millions more whose livelihoods will become more vulnerable as a result. The UK government has recognised its responsibility to help people through the recession, but...
Read more...

14 Apr 09 - Action for Children Factfile Scotland 2008-09

Action for Children : Action for Children

Factfile Scotland 2008–09 is the eighth edition of Action for Children's (formerly NCH) collection of key facts and information about children, families and young people in Scotland.

14 Apr 09 - First Principle of Voluntary Action: essays on the independence of the voluntary sector from government

Baring Foundation : Baring Foundation (Matthew Smerdon, Editor)

The Baring Foundation commissioned essays from leading academics in seven countries - Canada, England, Germany, Northern Ireland, Scotland, United States of America and Wales - to review issues relating to the independence of voluntary action from government. Together, the essays confirm that...
Read more...

09 Apr 09 - On the Edge: culture and the arts in remote and rural locations

: Various (ed. Anne Douglas)

This collection of discussion papers originates from the international conference promoting Arts and Heritage development in remote areas, held at Duff House in Banffshire, Scotland, in 2001. The conference explored the role of the arts in cultural development, as well as the impact of the arts...
Read more...

09 Apr 09 - Economic downturns and the voluntary sector: what can we learn from historical evidence?

NCVO : John Mohan and Karl Wilding

The recent confirmation that the UK economy is now in recession has prompted speculation about the effects of an economic downturn on charitable giving and the voluntary sector with a number of commentators predicting a potential financial crisis. The evidence cited in the current debate is thin...
Read more...

06 Apr 09 - Research into the Funding of Rural Community Buildings and their Associated Benefits

Rural Partnerships Limited, in association with the University of Gloucestershire and CJC Consulting, was commissioned by Defra in April 2005 to research the funding of rural community buildings (RCBs) and the benefits which they provide to individuals, local communities and the wider...
Read more...

04 Apr 09 - Statutory Requirements for Research in Central and Local Government

This report examines the statutory and non-statutory drivers for research in central and local government in Scotland and considers the impact of demands on current capacity. Based on focus groups and interviews with researchers in three local authorities and with analysts in the Scottish...
Read more...

02 Apr 09 - Where is the Warm Glow? Nonprofit Wage Differentials and Donated Labour in the Health & Social Work Industries

ESRC : Rutherford, A.

Are workers in the voluntary sector paid less than their colleagues in the private or public sectors? In the UK the voluntary (or nonprofit) sector makes up about 5% of the workforce, with 60% of these workers employed in the health and social work industries. Using data from ten years of the UK...
Read more...

01 Apr 09 - Social Care and the Voluntary Sector in Scotland: Issues for Elected Members

CCPS : Community Care Providers Scotland (CCPS)

Briefing for newly elected members of local authorities on issues affecting voluntary sector social care providers in Scotland, including funding, training costs and involvement in service planning. Contains useful summaries of facts and figures on the Scottish voluntary sector care sector.

01 Apr 09 - Information, Information, Information: How and when to collect it, keep it and pass it on

CCPS : Sarah Hutchison, Kenneth Macdonald and Kerr Donaldson

This useful briefing gives an overview of key issues around data protection, collection, storing and sharing that may affect voluntary sector social care service providers. Issues around the appropriate handling of information are of great importance to all voluntary sector care providers,...
Read more...

01 Apr 09 - Presence or Partnership? - Voluntary and Private Sector Influence in Community Planning in Scotland

The Nuffield Foundation : Sinclair, S.; Lindsay, K.

This project explored the extent to which voluntary and private sector representatives were equal and effective partners in Community Planning Partnerships (CPPs) in Scotland. CPPs are responsible for co-ordinated policy-making and joint service delivery between local authorities and other key...
Read more...

01 Apr 09 - CAF Giving Survey - March 2009

CAF : CAF and GfK NOP

Summary findings from the latest CAF research into public giving, exploring the impact of the recession (or the fear of recession) on spending, including donations to charities, and attitudes to 'good causes'. KEY FINDINGS * Nearly a quarter (23%) are shopping in less expensive or charity...
Read more...

01 Apr 09 - Governance of Emergency Response in Scotland, Resiliance Management, and Adaptation to Increasing Climate Variability

ESRC : Moran, C.

This paper presents selected findings from a 2008 pilot study investigating the role of the Scottish Third Sector in the provision of disaster or emergency response in Scotland. As a working paper, its aim is to set out the researcher's conceptual framework for further research. In the coming year,...
Read more...

31 Mar 09 - The Third Sector Workforce in Scotland: a review of publications

SCVO : Lees, I.

This review outlines some of the main research publications relating to the third sector workforce in Scotland. It draws from a literature that has grown enormously over recent years, particularly since the inception in Scotland in 2005 of Sector Skills Councils, which are employer-led bodies...
Read more...

31 Mar 09 - The Scottish Budget Spending Review and Concordat: Impact on social care providers (Members Survey 2008)

CCPS : Community Care Providers Scotland (CCPS)

In November 2007 the Scottish Government published its Scottish Budget Spending Review and accompanying Concordat with local government. This survey set out to assess the initial impact of these developments on voluntary sector social care providers. KEY FINDINGS • 96% of providers responding...
Read more...

31 Mar 09 - Re-Tendering of Social Care Services: Service Providers' Perspectives

CCPS : Community Care Providers Scotland (CCPS)

In May 2007 CCPS published Competitive Tendering in Social Care and Support Services: A position statement (see Download section). That document noted the increase in competitive tendering of social care services in recent months and years - in particular the re-tendering of those services already...
Read more...

31 Mar 09 - Social Care and Support Services in the Voluntary Sector: Funding Survey 2008

CCPS : Community Care Providers Scotland (CCPS)

This report presents and discusses the findings of a survey carried out in April and May 2008. The questionnaire was sent to 66 of Scotland’s largest voluntary sector providers of social care and support services and had a response rate of 50%. The survey provides quantitative data relating to...
Read more...

30 Mar 09 - Volunteering and black and minority ethnic diverse communities

VDS and BEMIS : Christine Reilly

Research carried out into volunteering and Black and Minority Ethnic Communities in 2004, commissioned by Volunteer Development Scotland (VDS)and Black & Ethnic Minority Infrastructure in Scotland (BEMIS). The research recommended several actions which should take place to enable more people from...
Read more...

30 Mar 09 - Young people and environmental volunteering

The Green Team : Rhoda Macrae and Christine Reilly, VDS

The Green Team runs one-day and residential opportunities for young people between 14-25 years to participate in environmental activities, all run by adult volunteers. The Green Team commissioned Volunteer Development Scotland (VDS) to undertake an evaluation which aims to assess whether the...
Read more...

30 Mar 09 - The Impact of Time Banking in Scotland

Volunteer Development Scotland (VDS) : Christine Reilly and Tam Cassidy

In October 2007, Volunteer Development Scotland (VDS) was commissioned by Time Banking UK to undertake research to investigate the impact of Time Banking in Scotland. As outlined by Time Banking UK the project’s main aim was: "To measure the impact of Time Banking on members, in particular to...
Read more...

30 Mar 09 - Annual Statistics on Volunteering 2007

VDS : VDS Research Team/

in 2006 Volunteer Development Scotland (VDS) commissioned TNS System Three to conduct a survey into volunteering activity in Scotland on their behalf. This is a summary of the main findings arising from the data gathered by volunteering questions that were asked of around 1000 individuals across...
Read more...

30 Mar 09 - Volunteer Centres and Community Learning and Development

VDS & Learning Connections : Christine Reilly, VDS

The aim of this research was to gather more knowledge and awareness of the potential links between Volunteer Centres and Community Learning and Development. It was carried out by Volunteer Development Scotland in late 2007, with funding from Learning Connections. METHODOLOGY • An electronic...
Read more...

30 Mar 09 - Space, Place and Volunteers: The Nature of Volunteering

VDS : Helen Timbrell

The research findings presented here are part of a three year ESRC Case studentship entitled 'Space, place and volunteers: the nature, meaning and impact of volunteering in Scotland'. The report findings are presented in three summaries: 1. The Nature of Volunteering 2. The Impact of Space...
Read more...

30 Mar 09 - Space, Place and Volunteers: The Impact of Space and Place

VDS : Helen Timbrell

30 Mar 09 - Space, Place and Volunteers: Volunteering and Active Citizenship

VDS : Helen Timbrell

24 Mar 09 - 19th Annual Voluntary Sector Salary Survey

NCVO : NCVO and Remuneration Economics

Summary of the main findings from the 19th Annual Voluntary Sector Salary Survey, published December 2007. The survey is aimed at HR professionals and policy makers in the voluntary sector. It provides information on salary levels, fringe benefits and other employment issues.

24 Mar 09 - NICVA Salary Survey 2006

Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action : NICVA

This report is the second study of its kind completed by NICVA since 2001. The research was undertaken to shed some light on the current workforce dynamics of the voluntary and community sector in Northern Ireland. It looks at workforce composition with regard to age, sex, contracts, job titles and...
Read more...

23 Mar 09 - Labour Market Intelligence Report for Scotland's Voluntary Sector

SCVO : Ruchir Shah

Labour Market Intelligence Report for Scotland's Voluntary Sector

22 Mar 09 - The once and future pioneers? The innovative capacity of voluntary organisations and the provision of public services: A longitudinal approach

The prior history of voluntary and community organisations (VCOs) as pioneers of public services during the late nineteenth and early twentieth century has led to reification of the innovativeness of these organisations. Is this reification justified - are VCOs inherently innovative, or is...
Read more...

22 Mar 09 - The Happy Planet Index: an index of human well-being and environmental impact

new economics foundation : Marks, N.; Simms, A,; Thompson, S.; Abdallah, S.

This report is the first Happy Planet Index which was published in 2006. A second report, also catalogued in the Evidence Library, was published in 2009. The Happy Planet Index (HPI) is a measure that claims to show the ecological efficiency with which human well-being is delivered. It differs...
Read more...

20 Mar 09 - Charitable Legacies in an Environment of Change

The Smith Institute : Harrow, J.; Pharoah, C.

With charitable legacies in the UK worth almost £2 billion, they are of immense importance to both the third sector and the beneficiaries of charitable work. However, the impact of the downturn is likely to have considerable negative repercussions for legacy giving. With house and share prices...
Read more...

18 Mar 09 - Mapping Report on Furniture Projects in Scotland 2007

CRNS| : Community Recycling Network for Scotland (CRNS)

This is the fourth mapping study of the furniture reuse sector in Scotland undertaken by the CRNS since 2003. The report gives a picture of the sector as it is now and analyses the progress that has been made since 2003. METHODOOGY At the beginning of 2007, the CRNS had 65 active or emerging...
Read more...

18 Mar 09 - State of the Sector V - Northern Ireland Voluntary and Community Sector Almanac 2009

NICVA : NICVA

State of the Sector V provides useful statistics on the Northern Ireland voluntary sector, and allows comparisons to be made between sub-sectors in NI and the rest of the UK. Included in the report are assessments of where the voluntary and community sector in NI receives its funding from, how...
Read more...

18 Mar 09 - Mapping the Social Firm Sector 2006

Social Firms UK : Kathy Baker

The size and nature of the Social Firm sector has been mapped over recent years. The resultant data is shown in the tables below. There will be a comprehensive mapping exercise carried out in 2008 when we hope to uncover more Social Firms and provide more details of their employment...
Read more...

18 Mar 09 - Mapping the Social Firm Sector 2007

Social Firms UK : Kathy Baker

The size and nature of the Social Firm sector has been mapped over recent years, and in 2005 and 2006 Social Firms UK conducted extensive research into the Social Firm sector in the UK. A full mapping survey was not carried out in 2007 but information from the 2006 mapping has been updated where...
Read more...

17 Mar 09 - Charity Commission Economic Survey of Charities (March 2009)

Charity Commission : Carol Goldstone Associates

The latest Economic Survey of Charities was carried out between January and February 2009, and a total 0f 1,003 organisations were interviewed. The survey illustrates the deepening impact of the recession on charities and just over half of all charities (52%) reported that they had been affected...
Read more...

17 Mar 09 - Charity Commission Economic Survey of Charities (Oct 2008)

Charity Commission : Carol Goldstone Associates

Economic survey of charities in England & Wales, in which a representative sample of just over 500 charities were interviewed over the telephone in September 2008. KEY FINDINGS * 4 in 10 charities (38%) have reported that they have been hit by the economic downturn of the last year. * 1 in 5...
Read more...

17 Mar 09 - Recession and charities; the paradox of charitable opportunity?

Short article exploring possible threats and opportunities facing charities in this time of recession. In particular the authors look at the paradox facing charities - that their finances and resources are likely to be squeezed at the very time that their services are most needed.

16 Mar 09 - Scottish Environmental Attitudes and Behaviours Survey 2008

The over-arching aim of this survey was to produce dedicated, up-to-date and robust social survey data on environmental attitudes and behaviours to support the development and delivery of environmental policy, relating specifically to climate change, sustainable development and wellbeing, but also...
Read more...

12 Mar 09 - A Comparative Study of the Infrastructure of Voluntary Organisations in Scotland

The aim of this research was to provide HEACS with 1. an overview of the structure and operations of a cross-section of intermediary bodies in the voluntary sector and 2. an assessment of the key characteristics that contribute to the successful and effective operations of such bodies. This...
Read more...

12 Mar 09 - Scottish Economic Statistics 2008

Scottish Government : Scottish Government

This is the ninth edition of the annual publication Scottish Economic Statistics, which is produced by statisticians in the Scottish Government. As with previous editions, Scottish Economic Statistics 2008 is split into two parts: Part A - Articles. This section provides three articles on...
Read more...

10 Mar 09 - The voluntary sector in Scotland and the economic downturn - a review of publications

SCVO : Lees, I.

This review outlines some of the key publications of relevance to the Scottish voluntary sector in the current economic downturn. It covers the 12-month period between September 2008 and August 2009 and refers to a range of material including economic forecasts, statistical digests and academic...
Read more...

08 Mar 09 - Boards, Governance and Leadership of the Third Sector - Scotland Study

ACOSVO, OSCR, Big Lottery Fund : Kakabadse, A.; Kakabadse, N.; Myers, A.

This report focuses on the effectiveness of boards operating within third sector organisations in Scotland. Organisations were invited to take part in a survey in September 2008 that specifically asked opinions on the performance of the Chair, the board and the Chief Officer. A total of 194...
Read more...

06 Mar 09 - The Experience of Rural Poverty in Scotland

Scottish Government Social Research : Ekos Ltd.

The aim of this research was to increase understanding about the experience of poverty in rural areas in Scotland. It explored the key aspects of both accessible and remote rural areas and of the experiences of five specific vulnerable groups: single pensioners, single parents, disabled people,...
Read more...

05 Mar 09 - ESOL in Scotland's Voluntary Sector

Learning Link Scotland : Learning Link Scotland

Previous research into English for Speakers of Other Languages provision (ESOL Report January 2005) helped to shape the National Adult ESOL Strategy. However Scotland's demographics during and since the 2005 Report have been changing and this report, carried out over the period November 2006 to...
Read more...

03 Mar 09 - The Impact of the Economic Downturn on the Rural Voluntary Sector in Scotland

ESRC / SCVO / Centre for Remote and Rural Studies UHI : De Lima, P.

This paper seeks to provide preliminary thoughts on what the impact of recession might be on the rural voluntary sector in Scotland and to identify emerging themes, gaps and areas for further research. The paper draws upon (i) a web search of grey literature on the rural voluntary sector and the...
Read more...

03 Mar 09 - Thistles, roses, thorns: some reflections on third sector/government relations and policy expectations in economic downturn

ESRC / SCVO / Centre for Charitable Giving and Philanthropy : Harrow, J.

This paper discusses the notion of internal differentiation within the third sectors in Scotland and England (Vincent, J; Harrow, J. 2005) and the implications for differential public policies towards the third sector during recession. It also considers the question of how third sector...
Read more...

27 Feb 09 - Carers in Crisis - summary results for Scotland

Carers UK : Carers Scotland

These figures are summary statistics for Scotland derived from the Carers UK report 'Carers in Crisis - a survey of carers' finances in 2008'. The survey, which was carried out during September and October 2008, included open and closed questions and was available to complete online. The findings...
Read more...

27 Feb 09 - Carers in Crisis: summary results for Scotland

Carers UK : Carers Scotland

26 Feb 09 - Growing Old Together: Older CAB Clients and Debt

Citizens Advice Scotland : Dryburgh, K.

This report looks at the impact of debt on older clients over 60 years of age and is the result of research which was carried out in early 2007. A questionnaire was devised to collect specific information relating to type of debts, amount of debt per client, debt to income ratio, impact of debt on...
Read more...

26 Feb 09 - Single Outcome Agreements: a review of publications

SCVO : Lees, I.

This summary reviews key documents relating to Single Outcome Agreements (SOAs) – principally policy, guidance and research – and has been written with the Scottish voluntary sector specifically in mind. It also seeks to provide some background to the arrangements in place with respect to the...
Read more...

25 Feb 09 - Micro-simulating child poverty in 2010 and 2020

This research shows what effect current policies in the UK will have on child poverty by 2010 and 2020. Taking account of the recession, it estimates the costs of meeting the government target of halving child poverty by 2010 and eliminating it by 2020. The projections are based on reasonable...
Read more...

25 Feb 09 - Self Evaluation Guide For Assessing Governance in the Voluntary Sector

Social Work Inspectorate Agency (SWIA) : Social Work Inspectorate Agency (SWIA)

In 2007, the Social Work Inspection Agency (SWIA) conducted a review of the governance arrangements of Turning Point Scotland following a request from Turning Point Scotland. That piece of work led to the development of this self evaluation guide for assessing governance in voluntary organisations...
Read more...

24 Feb 09 - Continental Drift: understanding advice and information needs for A8 migrant workers in Scotland

Citizens Advice Scotland : Crowley, H.

The aim of this research was threefold: to obtain a demographic profile of CAB clients from the Accession 8 (A8) countries; to determine the nature and extent of their contact with bureaux; and to assess the impact of this new client group on the work of bureau advisers. Research evidence was...
Read more...

24 Feb 09 - The Role of Volunteer Co-ordinators

Scottish Office Central Research Unit : Lishman, J; Wardell, F.

This report describes an exploratory study undertaken in 1996-7 of the role and responsibilities of volunteer co-ordinations in Edinburgh and in Highland. Its aims were to explore volunteer co-ordinators' perspectives on their practice, policies and function in relation to their co-ordinating...
Read more...

23 Feb 09 - CAB Evidence 2007/08: an overview

Citizens Advice Scotland : McPhee, S.

This overview provides a snapshot of the wide range of enquiries raised by Scottish people with advisers in citizens advice bureaux throughout the financial year 2007–2008. It illustrates some of the difficulties and complexities of the problems brought to the attention of advisers during the...
Read more...

20 Feb 09 - Children and young people's concerns about their sexual health and well-being

This combined quantitative and qualitative study examined calls logged on the ChildLine Scotland database during 2003 and 2004. Researchers conducted a detailed, thematic, content analysis of a sample of the more extensive archived records, written by counsellors at the time of the call. 14,244...
Read more...

20 Feb 09 - Consulting on children's services: getting the views of children, parents and service providers

This research briefing reports on some key findings of a consultation undertaken in the South Ayrshire local authority area in Scotland, to find out about how to conduct the consultation of those who use children's services, and which methods to use. The consultation included children, young people...
Read more...

18 Feb 09 - Building Community Capacity: resources for community learning & development practice

This guide brings together frameworks, tools and other materials that may be helpful for community learning and development practitioners in taking forward their role in building community capacity. It contains a directory which assesses over 40 accessible resources relevant to community capacity...
Read more...

18 Feb 09 - The Funders' Almanac 2008

This report provides insight into the giving of grant-making trusts, companies and central government across the UK. Based on data collected from over 3,000 individual funders, it includes analysis of the geographical distribution of grants and cash donations, the types of beneficiaries and causes...
Read more...

18 Feb 09 - The UK Civil Society Almanac 2009

NCVO : Clark, J.; Kane, D.; Wilton,J.

The UK Civil Society Almanac 2009 presents a detailed, comparative, statistical picture of civil society for the period 2006-07, prior to the economic downturn which began in 2008. Its core data refer to the UK voluntary and community sector where it explores features such as income type, income...
Read more...

17 Feb 09 - High Level Summary of Equality Statistics: key trends for Scotland 2006

Scottish Executive : Scottish Executive Statistics

The High Level Summary of Equality Statistics (HLSES) presents statistical trends on the main areas of Government activity in Scotland across a number of equality dimensions including age, disability, ethnicity, gender and in some cases religion. It provides a standardised, concise format for each...
Read more...

15 Feb 09 - Audit of Scots Language Provision in Scotland

The Scottish Government : Evans, R; Integrate Consulting

This research represents a baseline audit of current Scots language provision in Scotland. The specific objectives of the research were to: 1. Review all the main providers of Scots language provision in Scotland, with a particular focus on local authorities and other public bodies, or...
Read more...

12 Feb 09 - Data use in voluntary and community organisations

Joseph Rowntree Foundation : MacInnes, T.; Kenway, P.

This study assesses the need and demand within voluntary and community organisations (VCOs) for relevant, analysed and well-presented data to support their work tackling poverty. It considers how VCOs use data to support their work, what data VCOs find most useful, and what obstacles there are to...
Read more...

11 Feb 09 - They Think We Are Nothing: a survey of destitute asylum seekers and refugees in Scotland

Scottish Refugee Council : Green, M.

The aim of this research was to capture a snapshot of the number of destitute asylum seekers and refugees presenting to voluntary sector agencies in Scotland during a one-month period and to find out more about their experiences and what had led them to become destitute. A quantitative survey took...
Read more...

11 Feb 09 - Warm Welcome? Understanding public attitutes to asylum seekers in Scotland

Institute for Public Policy Research : Lewis, M.

Following similar research in England and Wales, this study set out to find out what people in Scotland think about asylum seekers and refugees, and to establish what informs these opinions. A total of 13 structured focus groups were conducted across Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow with a range of...
Read more...

11 Feb 09 - This is a good place to live and think about the future - the needs and experiences of unaccompanied asylum seeking children in Scotland

Scottish Refugee Council : Hopkins, P.; Hill, M.

The aim of this research was to explore the experiences and needs of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children in Scotland, and to assess how well current services were responding to the needs of these young people. As part of the research, 31 unaccompanied asylum-seeking children and 74 service...
Read more...

10 Feb 09 - "Go for it!": Supporting People with Learning Disabilities and/or Autistic Spectrum Disorders in Employment

This study, which included interviews with 10 key stakeholders in policy and strategic planning positions in the statutory and voluntary sectors, looked at what employment support there is in Scotland for people with learning disabilities and/or autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) and identified good...
Read more...

03 Feb 09 - A Systematic Review of Interventions for Carers in the UK: Outcomes and Explanatory Evidence

The Princess Royal Trust for Carers, London. : Victor, E.

This review supports interventions designed to support carers. It seeks to answer the following questions: * What is known about the outcomes of interventions for carers? * What explanatory evidence exists about how interventions support carers and the contextual factors which influence...
Read more...

03 Feb 09 - The third sector in a devolved Scotland: from policy to evidence

: Fyfe, N.; Timbrell, H.; Smith, F.

Scotland’s post-devolution government has implemented a number of policies engaging with the third sector. These sit within the UK context of New Labour’s welfare reform with its twin emphases on neo-liberalism and neo-communitarianism. Moves by the Scottish Executive to translate these themes...
Read more...

02 Feb 09 - Employment, Housing and Poverty in Rural Areas

SPICe : Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe)

This research note, prepared for the Scottish Parliament's Rural Affairs Committee in 1999, provides a factual overview of employment trends in rural areas in the 1990s. A series of brief overviews of other social trends such as general population dynamics, unemployment, housing, deprivation and...
Read more...

02 Feb 09 - Credit Unions in Scotland

Scottish Government Social Research : McKillop, D.G.; Wilson, J.O.S.

This report discusses the nature of credit unions and considers the extent to which they offer an alternative model to mainstream financial services. It also charts the historical development of credit unions; documents theoretical paradigms within which issues pertinent to credit unions may be...
Read more...

30 Jan 09 - State of the Nation (Fundraising in Scotland) Report

Think Consulting Solutions : Think Consulting Solutions

Provides an overview of charitable fundraising in Scotland between 2004 and 2007, prior to the onset of the global banking crisis and subsequent economic recession in the UK. Includes commentary specific to the time it was written for the benefit of specialist fundraisers in Scotland. Explains...
Read more...

29 Jan 09 - Measuring Impact: a guide to resources

NCVO : Wainwright, S.

This guide to resources provides an introduction to the world of impact measurement, focusing on the reasons why organisations might want to measure their impact, how they might set about it and the obstacles and barriers they are likely to encounter on the way. Includes a chapter entitled...
Read more...

28 Jan 09 - Review of Scottish Registered Social Landlords 2006-2007

Communities Scotland : Communities Scotland

This review presents the results of analysis of the profile and performance of Scottish Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) in the areas of activity covered by RSL's Annual Performance and Statistical Returns. The report provides an overview to describe the homes, organisations and people in the...
Read more...

27 Jan 09 - The changing landscape of voluntary sector counselling in Scotland

: Bondi, Liz.

This paper explores the evolution of voluntary sector counselling in Scotland from their origins in the late 1940s. It examines the rapid expansion of counselling in voluntary sector welfare from the 1960s onwards and its subsequent professionalisation, which gathered pace in the late 1990s.

27 Jan 09 - Fundratios: Trends in Giving

Since 1995 the Fundratios benchmarking project has aimed to produce a comparison of performance levels and methods to provide an overview of fundraising performance. The project has devised a set of benchmarks to assess and compare all major aspects of fundraising performance. The project...
Read more...

27 Jan 09 - Space, citizenship and voluntarism: critical reflections on the voluntary welfare sector in Glasgow

Economic and Social Research Council : Fyfe, N.R.; Milligan, C.

Focusing on the voluntary welfare sector in Glasgow, the authors first examine the uneven distribution of voluntary activity across the city and its relationship to `need'. In the second part of the paper the relationship between voluntarism and citizenship in Glasgow is examined. The paper...
Read more...

26 Jan 09 - Single Outcome Agreements

Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) : Herbert, S.

Provides an overview of the 32 Single Outcome Agreements (SOAs) which were signed off by the Scottish Government and each local authority in the summer of 2008. Outlines the purpose of SOAs and considers the extent of Community Planning partners' engagement in their development. Examines the...
Read more...

22 Jan 09 - Single Outcome Agreements 2008-2009: an analysis

: Community Care Providers Scotland (CCPS)

This report assesses whether or not CCPS' concerns about the coverage of issues set out in the 'Changing Lives' review of social work in Scotland were well founded, and whether or not Ministers' aspirations for the role of social care have been adaquately met in the first round of the thirty two...
Read more...

21 Jan 09 - Evaluation Support Guide 3: using interviews and questionnaires to evaluate your project

: Evaluation Support Scotland

This guide covers some of the more traditional approaches to the collection of information for evaluation purposes: questionnaires, interviews and group interviews (focus groups) and it also gives advice on how to use them. It suggests that simply because these approaches are traditional does...
Read more...

21 Jan 09 - Evaluation Support Guide 4: using visual approaches to evaluate your project

: Evaluation Support Scotland

This guide explores some of the visual approaches that may be used to collect information for evaluation: relationship maps, service use maps, lifelines, body maps and evaluation wheels, and gives advice on how to use them.

21 Jan 09 - Counting policy active organisations in Scotland: definitions, coding and comparison

Economic and Social Research Council : Halpin, D.

This conference paper reports on research which assesses patterns of interest mobilisation within political systems, using the Scottish group system as a case study example. It does so by mapping the levels of activity of various organised interests including those of campaigning groups, NGOs,...
Read more...

21 Jan 09 - Searching for 'Tartan' Policy Bandwagons: Mapping the Mobilisation of Organised Interests in Public Policy

Economic and Social Research Council : Halpin, D. and Baxter, G.

This paper reports on analysis of Scottish government consultations. The data set spans more than two decades (1982-2007) covering almost 1700 discrete public consultations (issues) and includes more than 18,000 different organized actors engaging in more than 130,000 separate ‘influence events’....
Read more...

21 Jan 09 - Supporting health promotion activity in the voluntary sector: strategic needs assessment

The aim of the research was to assist the former Health Education Board for Scotland (HEBS) voluntary sector programme in the development of a strategic approach for supporting health promotion activity in the voluntary sector. The research involved conducting interviews with respondents from a...
Read more...

20 Jan 09 - Organised Interests in Scottish Public Policy: Questionnaire Survey Results

This working paper is one of the outputs of 'The mobilisation of organised interests in Scotland' project at The Robert Gordon University (RGU). It builds on previous research conducted at RGU during 2006 entitled The mobilisation of interests in policy making: access, activity and bias in the...
Read more...

20 Jan 09 - Evaluation Support Guide 5: using photographic technology to evaluate your project

: Evaluation Support Scotland

This guide covers some ways you can use photographic technology to collect information for evaluation: video diaries, video, and digital photographs and gives advice on how to use them. These can be used independently or alongside other approaches, for example focus groups or visual tools (see...
Read more...

20 Jan 09 - Evaluation Support Guide 6: using audio and communication technology to evaluate your project

: Evaluation Support Scotland

This guide covers some ways you can use audio and communications technology to collect information for evaluation: audio recording, mobile phones and internet. These can be used independently or alongside other approaches, for example focus groups and visual tools (see Evaluation Support guides 3...
Read more...

20 Jan 09 - Evaluation Support Guide 7: getting the best from an external evaluation

: Evaluation Support Scotland

This guide covers how you can get the best from an external evaluation. It considers the need for an external consultant, hiring an external consultant, the evaluation budget, managing the external evaluation and learning the lessons. Evaluation is about working out what difference you are...
Read more...

20 Jan 09 - Evaluation Support Guide 8: analysing information for evaluation

: Evaluation Support Scotland

This guide describes how you can analyse the information you have gathered. It focuses mainly on analysing outcome information but the principles can equally apply to your outputs. It covers topics such as preparation, conducting analysis, working with numbers, as well as working with written and...
Read more...

20 Jan 09 - Evaluation Support Guide 9: writing case studies

: Evaluation Support Scotland

This support guide offers some tips on how to write case studies as a way of reporting on work and evaluation. It raises the importance of deciding on purpose and message, of organising content, ideas and time, as well as of drafting and editing what has been written. It concludes with a useful set...
Read more...

20 Jan 09 - Evaluation Support Guide 10: taking and using the learning from evaluation

: Evaluation Support Scotland

This support guide explains that there are many different ways in which evaluation can be used - whether to improve the engagement of service users perhaps, or to help to secure funding. It also explains that findings about policy and practice can be used at either individual or organisational...
Read more...

20 Jan 09 - Evaluation Support Guide 11: report writing

: Evaluation Support Scotland

This guide sets out the elements that would be expected from a core internal self-evaluation report, excluding the finance section. The material is based on Evaluation Support Scotland's report template which can be downloaded from the Resources section on the ESS website. The authors make the...
Read more...

20 Jan 09 - Evaluation Support Guide 1: clarifying your aims, outcomes and activities

: Evaluation Support Scotland

This support guide explains that in order to conduct a successful evaluation, what is needed first and foremost is to set out what impact your intervention hopes to achieve. Only then can it be determined whether it actually has been achieved. There needs to be a logical connection between what you...
Read more...

20 Jan 09 - Evaluation Support Guide 2: developing and using indicators

: Evaluation Support Scotland

This support guide focuses on the development and use of indicators in the evaluation of services or activities. It explains how indicators can help to measure progress, stating that there are two basic types of indicators - output indicators and outcome indicators. In particular, it illustrates...
Read more...

18 Jan 09 - The support of health promotion activity in the voluntary sector: research findings and strategic considerations

: Curtis, L.; Maxwell, S.; Smart, H.; Titterton, M.

The aim of this research was to assist the Health Education Board for Scotland in the development of a strategic approach for supporting health promotion activity in the voluntary sector. As well as interviews with representatives from the statutory and voluntary sectors, a key research method...
Read more...

18 Jan 09 - Scottish Household Survey Analytical Topic Report: Volunteering

Investigates the level, type and intensity of volunteering in Scotland based on data gathered through the Scottish Household Survey (SHS) 1999 - Q3 2006, and on focus groups and telephone interviews with volunteers, former volunteers and non-volunteers. Aims to analyse data regarding volunteering...
Read more...

18 Jan 09 - Scottish Household Survey Analytical Topic Report: Volunteering - Research Findings

This paper summarises the findings of a project that investigated the prevalence, type and intensity of volunteering in Scotland based on data gathered through the Scottish Household Survey (SHS) between 1999 and 2006 and focus groups and interviews. The project also involved considering the...
Read more...

18 Jan 09 - Review of Support Service Needs of Voluntary Organisations: Perceptions of Users and Providers

Scottish Executive Social Research : Rocket Science UK Ltd.

Forms one element of the implementation of the Strategic Funding Review (SFR) set up in 2003. Purpose was to review the support available to the Scottish voluntary sector and to focus on five key areas: organisational development, workforce development, technical support, income generation and...
Read more...

15 Jan 09 - Research on the voluntary sector: an overview

: Peter Halfpenny and Margaret Reid

This article provides an overview of the growing body of research on the UK voluntary sector, organised around five general themes: the organisational composition of the sector; the resources it commands; explanations for the existence of the sector; accounts of differences between the voluntary,...
Read more...

14 Jan 09 - Profile of the community learning and development workforce in Scotland, 2008

Lifelong Learning UK : Lifelong Learning UK

Presents the findings of a survey of the community learning and development workforce (CLD) in public sector and third sector organisations in Scotland. Includes information on the community based adult learning workforce, youth workers, people involved in community capacity building and others....
Read more...

14 Jan 09 - Scottish Fundraising Salary Survey 2008

: Bruce Tait Associates

Profile of Scottish fundraisers. Key findings are: * 86% of fundraisers are women * 1/4 of fundraisers come from a sales and marketing background * 1/3 of respondents had been in their jobs for more than five years * Salaries at entry level are low A copy of the report can be requested by...
Read more...

14 Jan 09 - Scottish Charities 2008

OSCR : Jura Consultants

Scottish Charities 2008 is the second full profile of the charity sector produced by OSCR and is based on information collected from annual returns from charities over the regulator's first two years of full operation. The profile builds on the benchmarks established in OSCR's earlier profile...
Read more...

14 Jan 09 - Scottish Charities 2005

OSCR : Jura Consultants

The Office of the Charity Regulator's (OSCR) first full profile of the charity sector drawn from the response to the Annual Returns issued in April 2005. The report looks at, among things: * Income * Activities / charitable causes * constitutional forms * geographical spread

14 Jan 09 - OSCR Public and Charity Perspectives 2008

OSCR : OSCR, with Bob Marshall (University of Glasgow)

The purpose of the surveys was to measure the attitudes and perceptions of two groups, the general public and the charity sector, towards charitable activity in Scotland and the sector’s regulator, OSCR. For the charity sector, a total of 2,800 charities in Scotland were surveyed in April 2008...
Read more...

13 Jan 09 - Village Halls and Community Centres

Charity Commission : Charity Commission

The aim of this report is to look at what charities are doing to meet the new challenges that they face and to outline some of the options that are open to them. Although restricted to England & Wales - referencing English legislation or how the Charity Commission can support halls - the report...
Read more...

12 Jan 09 - 2008 Charity Commission Study into Public Trust and Confidence in Charities

Charity Commission : Ipsos MORI

This report presents the findings of the 2008 study into Public Trust and Confidence in Charities, using data collected in a 2005 as a baseline. Although restricted to England & Wales, the survey findings should be of interest to charities in Scotland, as they contradict some recent research...
Read more...

08 Jan 09 - UK Giving 2008

CAF and NCVO : CAF and NCVO

Annual survey providing the latest research on individuals' giving to charity, focussing on how much is given, to what causes, by which donors. Analysis includes: key trends; characteristics of donors; the causes that donors support; high-level donor trends; methods of giving; tax-efficient...
Read more...

08 Jan 09 - Volunteering and the Historic Environment

HEACS : Reilly, C; VDS

Research report commissioned by the Historic Environment Advisory Council for Scotland (HEACS). The research aimed to identify the scope and quantify the scale of volunteering in the historic environment and examine where additional support might help to facilitate its sustainability and...
Read more...

08 Jan 09 - Volunteering in the natural heritage

Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) : Volunteer Development Scotland (VDS)

An audit and review of natural heritage volunteering in Scotland. The research aimed to identify the scope of natural heritage volunteering in Scotland and examine ways of supporting and developing it. The findings were intended to provide SNH with a baseline for future monitoring of volunteer...
Read more...

08 Jan 09 - Community Facilities in Rural Scotland: A Study of Their Use, Provision and Condition

Scottish Government and SCVO : Skerratt et al, Scottish Agricultural College

Rural community facilities (RCFs) are local assets which serve as central points or “hubs”, and as venues for service provision, from within and outwith the community, sometimes providing for the co-location of multiple services. The main aims of the project were to gather and analyse...
Read more...

26 Sep 08 - In Praise of Panel Surveys: the achievements of the British Household Panel Survey

This publication contains briefings by leading academics to illustrate the value of panel surveys. In particular, it uses findings from the British Household Panel Survey to demonstrate how longitudinal analysis contributes to the evidence about social processes. The British Household Panel...
Read more...

09 Nov 07 - Mental Health Improvement: an appraisal of Scottish policy

In 2004 NHS Health Scotland commissioned the Research Unit in Health, Behaviour and Change (University of Edinburgh), the MRC Social and Public Health Sciences Unit (University of Glasgow) and the Scottish Development Centre for Mental Health to undertake a review of Scottish policy with respect to...
Read more...

02 Nov 07 - UK Voluntary Sector Skills Survey 2007 (England)

UK Workforce Hub : UK Workforce Hub

This research explores skills gaps and skills shortages in paid employees within the voluntary sector in 2007. It was commissioned by the UK Workforce Hub to provide information on the skills and workforce development of voluntary sector employees in the UK. This report focuses only on England;...
Read more...

02 Nov 07 - UK Voluntary Sector Workforce Almanac 2007

UK Workforce Hub : Clark, J.

This first edition of the UK Voluntary Sector Workforce Almanac provides "up-to-date information on the size and characteristics of the UK voluntary sector workforce and for the first time presents reliable and authoritative ten year trend data (1996–2005) enabling an exploration of how the...
Read more...

01 Nov 07 - Monitoring and evaluation resource guide

Charities Evaluation Services : Ellis, J.; Gregory, T.; Wadia,A.

This is an online resource guide which enables you to download over 100 online and published books, tools, discussion papers and factsheets on all aspects of evaluation. The guide is labelled 'work in progress' and Charities Evaluation Services (CES) invites details of resources currently not...
Read more...

01 Nov 07 - Is it Seaworthy? Assessing and Funding the Capacity of Voluntary and Community Organisations

Governance Hub : Hutton, C.; Sexton, S.

A new resource to help funders assess the capacity of an organisation and how and why funding it effectively is important. The publication is also useful for organisations applying for funding to ensure they are ‘seaworthy’. Includes case studies.

17 Sep 07 - Survey of the Service of Order of Malta Dial-a-Journey

Scottish Disability Equality Forum : Scottish Disability Equality Forum

This survey was designed to examine issues surrounding special needs transport and highlight key matters influencing the social inclusion of people with disabilities by surveying the service delivery of the Order of Malta Dial-a-Journey.

29 Aug 07 - Faith and Voluntary Action

NCVO : Jochum,V.; Pratten,B; Wilding,K.

This report seeks to understand the relationships, commonalities and differences between faith-based organisations and what is sometimes termed 'the mainstream voluntary sector'. It presents contributions from a number of authors on the place of faith-based organisations in civil society, faith as...
Read more...

27 Aug 07 - Evaluation of Greater Easterhouse Money Advice Project Financial Education Programme

Scottish Executive : Blake Stevenson Limited

An evaluation of a programme of financial education provided by the Greater Easterhouse Money Advice Project (GEMAP). The aim of the evaluation was to assess the overall impact of the GEMAP financial education programme, including the effectiveness of its delivery methods and processes. The...
Read more...

20 Aug 07 - SEEN Social Added Value approaches

SEEN Transnational Partnership (EQUAL) : SEEN Transnational Partnership (EQUAL)

The Social Economy Exchange Network (SEEN) has identified "social added value" as being essential in helping social economy organisations prove their competitive advantage and enhance their sustainability. The Network's transnational learning in this important area has been collated into this...
Read more...

15 Aug 07 - Charity Trends 2007

Charities Aid Foundation : Charities Aid Foundation

Annual analysis of charities’ finances for the UK. It provides up-to-date statistics and analysis including: an overview of current trends in income and expenditure of fundraising charities; an examination of CAF’s top 500 fundraising charities; the latest on corporate donations and grants from...
Read more...

14 Aug 07 - Delivering public services: service users' experiences of the third sector

Office of the Third Sector : Hopkins, A. / National Consumer Council

This study, which applies to England, is one of the few quantitative studies of third sector delivery of public services, and the first to focus on user experiences. Its key aim was to find out whether there is anything distinctive about user experience of public services delivered by third sector...
Read more...

13 Aug 07 - Measuring the Impact of Volunteering on Social Economy Organisations - An evaluation report by Volunteer Development Scotland

VDS : Volunteer Development Scotland (VDS)

Volunteers play an integral part in supporting the social economy to increase its role in the delivery of innovative, high quality services and in enhancing its contribution to community regeneration and sustainable economic development. Volunteers are a crucial resource to social economy...
Read more...

10 Jul 07 - The UK Voluntary Sector Almanac 2007

NCVO : Oliver Reichardt, Karl Wilding & David Kane

An indispensable resource for anyone interested in the voluntary sector, combining easy-to-read graphs with in-depth tables. The almanac provides a wealth of evidence including: The different types and sources of the sector’s income; How the money is being spent; The sector’s growing workforce,...
Read more...

10 Jul 07 - CHILDREN IN NEED: Examining its use in practice and reflecting on its currency for proposed policy changes

University of Edinburgh : Dr Kay Tisdall and Vicky Plows

Local authorities were given the duty to ‘safeguard and promote’ the welfare of ‘children in need’ in their areas, by the Children (Scotland) Act 1995. This project sought to examine the use of ‘children in need’ in Scottish local authority policy and practice, and its currency for proposed policy...
Read more...

07 Jun 07 - Social cohesion in diverse communities

Joseph Rowntree Foundation : Hudson, M.; Phillips, J.; Ray, K.; Barnes, H.

This study explores relationships between new and established communities in two ethnically diverse neighbourhoods - Moss Side in Manchester and North Tottenham in Haringay, North London - drawing on discussion groups and one-to-one interviews with 60 ordinary residents from white British, Somali,...
Read more...

07 Jun 07 - Poverty among ethnic groups - how and why does it differ?

Joseph Rowntree Foundation : Kenway, P.; Palmer, G.; New Policy Institute

This paper discusses how the rates of income poverty differ between different ethnic groups and provides an analysis for the reasons for some of these differences. The paper has three sections: ■ A presentation of the latest income poverty rates for different ethnic groups in the UK, how...
Read more...

01 Jun 07 - Moving on up? Report of the EOC's investigation into Bangladeshi, Pakistani and black Caribbean women and work

Equal Opportunities Commission : Equal Opportunities Commission

This investigation (covering England, Wales and Scotland) identified five ‘employment gaps’ between the position of Bangledeshi, Pakistani and Black Caribbean women and the position of women overall: participation in the labour market, unemployment, progression, pay and occupational segregation. It...
Read more...

21 May 07 - Scottish Voluntary Sector Statistics 2007

SCVO : Shah, R.

This SCVO publication is a statistical profile of the Scottish voluntary sector in 2006. It provides financial and workforce statistics derived from the Scottish voluntary sector database. It also draws on information from the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) to illustrate the size,...
Read more...

11 May 07 - Formality or Flexibility? Voluntary Sector Contracting in Social Care and Health

NCVO : Pete Alcock, Tula Brannelly, Liz Ross

This research was commissioned by the NCVO in 2003 to provide them with evidence on the experiences of voluntary organisations in England engaged in contracts for the delivery of public services. the research found that there was continuing confusion and uncertainty about the negotiation and...
Read more...

10 May 07 - The Case for Change

ACEVO : ACEVO

This report consists of two sections. The first section,“Moving the Debate Forwards”, seeks to shape a new debate on public services. Revisiting the case for greater third sector involvement in public service delivery, it acknowledges the current paucity of evidence in determining the relative...
Read more...

10 May 07 - Replacing the State? The case for third sector public service delivery

ACEVO : ACEVO

acevo's publication broadens the scope of debate on the voluntary sector's role in service delivery. Could the voluntary sector compete with the state as a large-scale service provider? What are the challenges that such an expansion would bring? Is there a role for a sector equivalent of the...
Read more...

08 May 07 - ICT Foresight - consultation and campaigning in the age of participatory media

NCVO : NCVO and The Hansard Society

This report examines the impact of ICT on the sector's 'voice' and representation roles by looking at the activities of consultation and campaigning. It explains technological, political and social trends, highlights current innovative practice in the use of ICTs and discusses both risks and...
Read more...

05 Apr 07 - Gender Audit of Statistics: comparing the position of women and men in Scotland

Scottish Executive : Breitenbach, E; Wasoff, F. University of Edinburgh

The Gender Audit of Statistics was commissioned by the Scottish Executive to provide a review of current gender differences and inequalities in Scotland relevant to key areas of economic and social life. The audit adds to the growing body of work in Scotland providing analyses of statistical trends...
Read more...

22 Mar 07 - 24/7 Worklife Balance Survey 2009

Work Life Balance Centre : Work Life Balance Centre

This attitudinal survey is the latest in a series of annual online surveys examining the relationship between work and wellbeing. The findings are based on 1,898 responses from across the UK and were collected between October 2008 and January 2009. The survey includes questions relating to working...
Read more...

21 Mar 07 - Employability & Homelessness in Glasgow:

Glasgow Homelessness Network : Archie Fairley and Glasgow Homelessness Network

This report was commissioned by Glasgow Homelessness Network and provides the first detailed analysis of employability issues relating to people experiencing homelessness in Glasgow. It has direct significance for the development of policy, partnership working, and allocation of funding in Glasgow....
Read more...

02 Mar 07 - Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 (Part 2 The community right to buy) A Two Year Review

Caledonia Centre for Social Development : Andy Wightman

A critical review of the first two years of operation of the Community Right to Buy. It concludes that the Act is failing to achieve its goals, is too complex, and is being undermined by poor administration and excessive Ministerial discretionary powers.

26 Feb 07 - Stand and Deliver: the future for charities providing public services

The Charity Commission is the independent regulator for charitable activity. This is one of a series of reports that present our case-working experience, supplemented by additional research. Their purpose is to help increase understanding of an issue. They are part of our mission to help charities...
Read more...

23 Feb 07 - Full Cost Recovery in the Voluntary Sector

Impact Assessment. Full Cost Recovery (FCR) is the principle that, when entering into a contract with a public body, the service deliverer should be able to recover all of the costs associated with that contract. The Scottish Executive, in the Scottish Compact, made a commitment to recognise the...
Read more...

19 Feb 07 - Asylum Statistics United Kingdom 2005

Home Office : Tina Heath, Richard Jeffries and Sarah Pearce

In depth statistics on asylum applications, locations of application, initial and appeal decisions, countries of origin, and countries receiving asylum applications. Includes historical statistics.

14 Feb 07 - Voluntary Sector Labour Market Intelligence (LMI) Research Report 2004

SCVO : Ruchir Shah

During 2003, SCVO produced a series of reports based on primary research and secondary analysis into the Scottish voluntary sector's paid workforce. This paper assesses the resulting evidence contained in these reports to address the question, ‘What evidence do we have of the contribution of the...
Read more...

14 Feb 07 - Only Connect Case Studies - ideas for trading goods and services

NCVO : NCVO

Reports produced by voluntary and community organisations who have participated in the Only Connect Scheme, which sponsors visits that let groups explore their ideas for generating income by trading goods and services in a practical way. Reports are created after the visit so that others can learn...
Read more...

14 Feb 07 - Sustainable Funding in Practice - Real-life case studies

NCVO : NCVO

NCVO have collected a range of real life examples of organisations implementing a sustainable funding approach. The tales do not offer ready-made solutions to funding problems, but the experiences may offer fresh perspectives and some ideas of the possibilities available.

12 Feb 07 - Perceptions of the Social Economy

Communities Scotland : Organisational Development and Support

Study examining perceptions of what is undertsood by the term ‘social economy’ (and a series of related terms); the services provided by the sector and the quality and quantity of those services

10 Jan 07 - Assessment of the Benefits of Voluntary and Community Sector Infrastructure

INP / NCVO : Dr Rob Macmillan, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research

This report assesses the nature of the current evidence base on the benefits of Voluntary and Community Sector infrastructure, following a four month ‘rapid evidence assessment’ (REA) designed to search for, obtain and assess relevant evidence. The review attempts to go beyond a simple description...
Read more...

10 Jan 07 - Monitoring poverty and social exclusion in Scotland 2006

2006 edition of indicators of poverty and social exclusion in Scotland providing a comprehensive analysis of trends over time and differences between groups. It covers both devolved and non-devolved areas of responsibility. In summary, there has been substantial progress in poverty among children...
Read more...

10 Jan 07 - The Effects of Social Housing on Health and Wellbeing

Initial findings from the SHARP study. SHARP is a longitudinal study of the health and wellbeing impacts of moving into new, general purpose, social housing provided by Registered Social Landlords across Scotland. Its main aim is to examine to what extent rehousing into a new socially-rented...
Read more...

10 Jan 07 - Approaches to Evaluation in Community Regeneration

Communities Scotland : Ronald W McQuaid, Malcolm Greig, Colin Lindsay

Report of the findings of research on approaches to evaluation in community regeneration conducted by the Employment Research Institute (ERI) at Napier University on behalf of Communities Scotland. The main aim of the research was to examine approaches and methodologies adopted by evaluations of...
Read more...

07 Dec 06 - 2006 Voluntary Sector Salary Survey

NCVO and CELRE : NCVO and CELRE

Summarised in the attached link are the main findings from the 16th Annual Voluntary Sector Salary Survey (AVSS). The survey is aimed at HR professionals and policy makers working in the sector and provides detailed information on salary levels, fringe benefits and other employment issues,...
Read more...

06 Dec 06 - CREW 2000 Shop Survey 2005

Crew 2000 : Crew 2000

The annual Crew 2000 shop survey aims to establish the range of substances being used by young people visiting the shop premises, and aims to gauge the effectiveness of services. Crew also collects data from a variety of sources giving the organisation a more rounded picture of emerging trends in...
Read more...

29 Nov 06 - Disability in Scotland 2005-2020

Scottish Council Foundation : Scottish Council Foundation

Working with the Disability Rights Commission in Scotland the Scottish Council Foundation undertook research using existing evidence to describe the position of disabled people in Scotland today and how their position might be improved in the future. The study concludes that progress has been made...
Read more...

29 Nov 06 - Working The System - Creating a State of Wellbeing

Scottish Council Foundation : Andrew Harris and Nicole Hastings

The Scottish Council Foundation has conducted a number of inquiries into health and wellbeing issues over the last nine years. A consistent theme throughout those inquiries has been the need to change the way we think about health and wellbeing. This research exercise set out to build on that...
Read more...

27 Oct 06 - PEAS - Practical Exemplars of the Analysis of Surveys

ESRC : Gillian Raab, Kathy Buckner, Susan Purdon

P|E|A|S (Practical Exemplars and Survey Analysis), supported by the ESRC Research Methods programme, aims to show social researchers * how to analyze complex surveys using different packages, * why this is important by looking at the theory behind the methods and * what are the...
Read more...

27 Oct 06 - Pathways into employment in the voluntary and community sector

UK Voluntary Sector Workforce Hub : Marion Lacey, Rock Solid Social Research

This report assesses the evidence base about pathways into employment in the voluntary and community sector (VCS) in the UK. It is based on an assessment of research on individual career pathways into and out of the sector. Despite the limitations and patchiness of the evidence there is support...
Read more...

24 Oct 06 - Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation 2006

Scottish Executive : Scottish Executive

Executive tool for identifying small area concentrations of multiple deprivation across Scotland. The full Index is primarily of use to researchers into deprivation, but summary data also of interest to wider sector, particularly community workers and activists in those areas defined as 'most...
Read more...

24 Oct 06 - For the Common Good? The Changing Role of Civil Society in Britain & Ireland

Carnegie UK Trust : Dr Siobhan Daly with Professor Jude Howell

Commissioned as part of the Carnegie UK Democracy and Civil Society programme, this report examines the role of civil society in tackling growing concerns about the democratic deficit; the issue of legitimacy and accountability of civil society; what we might learn from the growth of newer forms...
Read more...

19 Oct 06 - A Hidden Giant - the Community & Voluntary Sector within the Falkirk Council area

CVS Falkirk & District : CVS Falkirk & District

Comprehensive survey of the community and voluntary sector in the Falkirk area, the report summarises a wide range of facts and figures, including: employment, volunteering, funding, geography etc.

05 Oct 06 - Futureskills Scotland - Scottish Voluntary Sector Profile 2005

Scottish Enterprise : Futureskills Scotland and SCVO

This short report presents key results of the Employers Skill Survey 2004 for the voluntary sector. The report was produced in collaboration with Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO). The main focus of the report is on how the labour market profile of the voluntary sector compares...
Read more...

05 Oct 06 - The Scottish Labour Market 2006

Scottish Enterprise : Futureskills Scotland

2006 edition of key labour market report, providing an overview of the Scottish labour market, including chapters on supply and demand, skills, and projections.

28 Sep 06 - Value Beyond Measure? The Value of voluntary sector service provision to the people of West Edinburgh

West of Edinburgh Voluntary Sector Forum : IBP Strategy & Research

Research identifying the individual and combined impact of voluntary organisations working in West Edinburgh. The report assesses how organisations currently collect data, and explores way in which soft outputs can be collected and presented, as well as making recommendations to the organisations...
Read more...

18 Sep 06 - NCVO Policy Paper: How voluntary and community organisations can help transform public services

NCVO : NCVO

Short policy paper exploring current procurement processes, and how VCOs can be enabled to really transform public services andtake on a greater role.

18 Sep 06 - Towards voluntary and community sector engagement in Community Health Partnerships - a baseline mapping exercise

Voluntary Health Scotland : Voluntary Health Scotland

Short mapping exercise looking at the involvement of the voluntary sector in the development and implementation of CHPs since the beginning of 2005. The mapping looks at: voluntary sector representation on CHPs; how representatives have been selected; and what support is available to them.

13 Sep 06 - How is it Going? A survey of what matters most to people with learning disabilities in Scotland today

Scottish Consortium for Learning Disabilities / ENABLE Scotland : Lisa Curtice

This report is about what matters most to people with learning disabilities and autistic spectrum disorders in Scotland today. 605 people replied to a postal questionnaire about their lives and what is important to them. The findings reinforce the policy direction set by the Scottish Executive’s...
Read more...

13 Sep 06 - The importance of the neighbourhood: Tackling the implementation gap

Joseph Rowntree Foundation : Marilyn Taylor and Mandy Wilson

This paper pulls out the main messages from JRF and other research findings to suggest what central government policy can do to make the neighbourhoods agenda work on the ground. The details of effective joint working – between agencies and communities – can only be worked out at local level. But...
Read more...

05 Sep 06 - Evaluation of the Socio-Economic Outputs of Nadair Trust Projects

Highlands and Islands Enterprise : Hecla Consulting

This report was commissioned by Highlands & Islands Enterprise and Scottish Natural Heritage. Key conclusions found that the Nadair 1 programme has been successful in generating a wide range of local impacts across the Argyll Islands in terms of employment, skills and learning, networking and...
Read more...

04 Sep 06 - Dunbeg Village Community Planning Appraisal

CADISPA undertook this piece of work based on its ethos of ‘helping communities to help themselves’. The Dunbeg Development Group were involved at each stage of this survey and without their input, advice and guidance, this survey would not have been possible. The ultimate aim of this research was...
Read more...

01 Sep 06 - Asset Transfer: a can-do Guide

Development Trust Association : Lorriane Hart

A practical look at transferring buildings,endowments and other assets to community-based organisations. Asset transfer is a way of supporting community-based regeneration and reducing grant dependency. This guide looks in detail at how to identify assets and at the financial and legal requirements...
Read more...

01 Sep 06 - To Have and to Hold: The DTA guide to asset development for community and social enterprises

Development Trust Association (DTA) : Lorraine Hart

This Guide provides a broad range of information, resources and contacts that you can use to develop a land or building project that is an asset for your organisation and local community. The Guide can get you started, give you helpful pointers while you are planning, suggest ways that you can...
Read more...

25 Aug 06 - Community Assets: The benefits and costs of community management and ownership

Community assets – how can they help community regeneration and what are the challenges? This report asks that question, and provides community developers with useful background detail and a number of different case studies. The research found that community organisations who own land or...
Read more...

02 Aug 06 - Volunteering, Self-Help and Citizenship in Later Life

Collaborative research report offering new insights into how and why older people choose to volunteer.

17 Jul 06 - Evaluation Support Guides

Evaluation Support Scotland : Mark Bitel, Partners in Evaluation

Introductory guides to evaluation including: Support Guide 1: Clarifying your aims, outcomes and activities Support Guide 2: Developing and using indicators Support Guide 3: Using interviews and questionnaires to evaluate your project Support Guide 4: Using visual approaches to evaluate...
Read more...

14 Jul 06 - Full Cost Recovery In The Voluntary Sector - Impact Assessment

Scottish Executive : GEN Consulting

Study commissioned by the Scottish Executive to assess the potential impact of adoption of Full Cost Recovery principles, to inform the Strategic Funding Review. The report methodology includes: literature review, survey of 100 voluntary organisations, focus groups, survey of public agencies, case...
Read more...

13 Jul 06 - Who are the Capacity Builders? A study of provision for strengthening the role of local communities

Community Development Foundation : Peter Taylor

Government policy increasingly relies on people being active in their local communities. This study provides a picture of the people who make this happen - community capacity builders. The study focuses on six contrasting local areas and draws on a major national study. It explains what community...
Read more...

07 Jul 06 - Making the Case: Social Added Value Guide

Communities Scotland Social Economy Unit : Communities Scotland

Guide developed to help voluntary organisations and social enterprises within Scotland understand and identify social added value tools that would best suit them in securing investment or proving their impact from delivering public services. Briefly outlines the advantages and disadvantages of...
Read more...

07 Jul 06 - SCARF Project Summaries

Scottish Centre for Regeneration : Various

Summaries of projects funded through the Scottish Community Action Research Grants - issues researched include local development groups, care centres, ethnicity, disability and drugs/alcohol.

16 Jun 06 - Developing a voluntary sector insight into the future of Scotland

SCVO : Lead Group

This short paper provides a reflection on the Lead Group Report by the Lead Group and identifies specific suggestions and questions for further consideration by the voluntary sector in particular as to its role in the future of Scotland

16 Jun 06 - Social Entrepreneurship Monitor (UK)

London Business School : Rebecca Harding, GEM Consortium

Large scale study of social entrepreneurial activity in the UK. The study explores early stage community or socially orientated entrepreneurial activity, with a view to how best to grow social enterprise in the future. The study explores a range of areas, including geographical influences, e.g....
Read more...

02 Jun 06 - The Nature of Befriending and Mentoring in Scotland

Befriending Network (Scotland) : Befriending Network (Scotland)

This report by Befriending Network (Scotland) with the Scottish Mentoring Network, is a mapping of the nature and extent of befriending in Scotland. It assesses amongst other things: types of befriending relationships, gender ratios, volunteer's motivations, and barriers to mentoring. The article...
Read more...

26 May 06 - SCVO's response to the Executive's 'Vision for the Sector'

SCVO : SCVO

Short press release, commenting on the Executive's document 'A Vision for the Voluntary Sector' broadly welcoming the Executive's increased recognition of the voluntary sector and the contributions it can and does make.

26 May 06 - A Vision for the Voluntary Sector: the next phase of our relationship

Scottish Executive : Scottish Executive

This key document outlines the Scottish Executive's vision for their relationship with the Scottish voluntary sector. Includes summaries of future policy directions on a range of areas from funding to representation, and is essential reading for any voluntary organisation wanting to know how the...
Read more...

22 May 06 - Disabled People and Direct Payments: a UK comparative study

ESRC : Universities of Edinburgh, Glasgow and Leeds

This is a 'four-country' (UK) study of direct payments, conducted by leading centres for disability research in England and Scotland. The research explores national and local variations in the implementation of direct payments, and the power relations that underpin these differences. The main...
Read more...

22 May 06 - The Implementation of Direct Payments for People who use Care Services

Research project commissioned by the Scottish Parliament's Health Committee. The aim of the research was to evaluate the implementation of direct payments policy in Scotland. Findings indicate that Scotland is lagging behind England in the uptake of new services designed to empower disabled...
Read more...

18 May 06 - Work and Pensions Inquiry Report on Pathways to Work - 3rd Report

House of Commons : Select Committee on Work and Pensions

The report contains a number of conclusions and recommendations on the Welfare Reform Green Paper and the Pathways to Work initiative. Although broadly welcoming the Government's aim of reducing numbers of Incapacity Benefit recipients, the report does highlight a number of areas the Committee...
Read more...

15 May 06 - Lead Group Report - Developing an insight into the Future of Scotland

SCVO : SCVO

This report presents a summary of discussions at five seminars during late 2005 with a range of people from voluntary and other sectors to develop an insight into the future of Scotland and the voluntary sector's role in it.

11 May 06 - The Glasgow Knowledge Economy - presentation

Local Futures : Mark Hepworth, Local Futures

Local Futures has been working with Glasgow Economic Forum, made up of the private, public and third sector in the city and broader 'city-region', to develop a new economic strategy. At a conference held to discuss the way forward with key stakeholders, Local Futures' Director Mark Hepworth...
Read more...

10 May 06 - Towards effective policy and practice for black and minority ethnic young people

As part of the re-focusing of Glasgow Anti-Racist Alliance towards a more strategic approach to partnership, GARA commissioned the Scottish Community Development Centre to carry out a short term investigation designed to inform an active dialogue between GARA and its partners about effective policy...
Read more...

09 May 06 - Strengthening Global Civil Society

Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) : Leni Wild

A research paper looking at recent examples of where global civil society groups have been a force for progressive social change, and identifying specific ways that these progressive forces can be strengthened. the report draws on the author's perspective and also discussions at the ippr convened...
Read more...

09 May 06 - Housing, Race and Community Cohesion

Report looking critically at government policies on 'race', 'equality' and community cohesion, from the perspective of both housing providers and of the 'housed'. It argues that there is a gap between what government says should be done, and the realities and practicalities that apply at community...
Read more...

09 May 06 - Neighbourhood management: At the turning point?

ODPM : Neighbourhood Renewal Unit, ODPM

A research report from the ODPM evaluating the schemes that were part of governments Pathfinder Programme. The report assesses how successful the scheme has been in improving public services, building community capacity and promoting renewal in deprived areas. Note: covers England only.

19 Apr 06 - The Social Value of Forestry for People : A Review

This is a short executive summary describing the role and value of social forestry in Scotland. In this research CADISPA/CAG were asked to review the role and value of social forestry in Scotland and suggest areas for further work. Valuing social forestry is a task that has been addressed by a...
Read more...

19 Apr 06 - Scottish Civil Society Index Report

SCVO : Ruchir Shah

A preliminary assessment of Scottish civil society by Scottish civil society using the CIVICUS civil society index.

18 Apr 06 - VIEW - policy insights from civil society

SCVO : Various

VIEW is a quarterly policy journal showcasing thinking from Scottish civil society. It is led by the voluntary sector, and edited and published by SCVO. Here and now, civil society is thinking about the world in new ways. VIEW is part of a wide programme of work developed by SCVO to tap into the...
Read more...

10 Apr 06 - Annual Digest of Statistics on Volunteering in Scotland 2006: Discussion Paper

Volunteer Development Scotland : Reilly, Christine

This paper is a supplementary discussion of the data in the Annual Digest of Statistics 2006.

10 Apr 06 - Annual Digest of Statistics on Volunteering in Scotland 2006

Volunteer Development Scotland : Reilly, Christine

This is the third annual digest of statistics on volunteering in Scotland produced by Volunteer Development Scotland, the national centre for excellence in volunteering. The digest presents in concise and readily accessible form statistical information available on the demographic, economic and...
Read more...

04 Apr 06 - The UK Voluntary Sector Almanac 2006: the State of the Sector (Summary)

NCVO : NCVO

The UK Voluntary Sector Almanac 2006 will provide the most up-to-date, comprehensive analysis of the sector available. Compiled from a range of different sources including the GuideStar UK database as well as data supplied by SCVO and NICVA, the Almanac brings together the latest available evidence...
Read more...

03 Apr 06 - Support needs in the social enterprise sector

Senscot, Communities Scotland : Haldane Associates (Sheila Durie)

The aim of this survey was to provide a reasonably comprehensive and quantifiable analysis of the support needs of social enterprises in Scotland. It was intended to give those developing the Social Enterprise Strategy up to date intelligence on the support needs of the sector, and enhance their...
Read more...

03 Apr 06 - Mapping Social Enterprise Activity in East Lothian

East Lothian Social Economy Partnership : Haldane Associates

Mapping of the social enterprise sector in East Lothian, identifying existing social enterprises, assessing the potential for new social enterprise activities, identifying areas of public services which would be of interest to social enterprises, assessing support needs and making recommendations...
Read more...

30 Mar 06 - Mapping of the Scottish Furniture Reuse Sector 2005

Community Recycling Network Scotland : Community Recycling Network Scotland

This report is based on a mapping study of the Scottish furniture projects which was undertaken in August and September 2005. The survey is also benchmarked against an earlier survey undertaken in 2003/04. The aims of the report are to get a picture of the sector as it is in 2005; measure and...
Read more...

30 Mar 06 - Mapping of the Community Recycling Sector in Scotland 2003-04

The delivery of recycling, re-use, composting, reduction and waste prevention initiatives has been carried out successfully for some considerable time through Community activities, bringing additional dividends in the form of social, economic and environmental benefits. Nevertheless the key impact...
Read more...

16 Mar 06 - Volunteering and Disability: Top Tips

Volunteer Development Scotland : Reilly, Christine

Research carried out into Volunteering and Disability in 2005 recommended several actions that should take place to enable more disabled people to become involved in volunteering. Findings were shared with practitioners and volunteers at an event in September to discuss how the learning might be...
Read more...

16 Mar 06 - Volunteering and Black and Minority Ethnic Communities: Top Tips

Volunteer Development Scotland : Reilly, Christine

Research carried out into volunteering and Black and Minority Ethnic Communities in 2004 recommended several actions which should take place to enable more people from BME communities to become more involved in volunteering. Findings were shared with practitioners and volunteers at an event in...
Read more...

14 Mar 06 - Right on Target: monitoring and evaluating community health projects

LCHPF : Lothian Community Health Projects Forum

Short 'how to' guide introducing community health project workers to evaluation, defining commonly used research terms and pointing workers to further reading.

13 Mar 06 - Interested in ageing? Older People's lives: key issues and evidence

Age Concern : Age Concern

Policy and research paper exploring key issues and evidence available on older people. Areas covered include diversity, income, health, transport, housing and discrimination. The paper also lists further reading materials. Note: the paper was published in 2006 but some statistics only go up to...
Read more...

13 Mar 06 - Community Impact Mapping

Development Trust Association (DTA) : Karen Byrne

Short and simple guide to help development trusts 'tell their story' and visualise the differences they are making to their community. The guide uses an easy to follow storyboard method, and includes 3 useful case studies and a worksheet.

10 Mar 06 - Building better credit unions

JRF : Peter Goth, Donal McKillop and Charles Ferguson

This study seeks to identify patterns of credit union development; quantify the performance of credit unions; and isolate those factors that make for success. An assessment of the credit union movement was undertaken based upon financial data specific to each credit union. This enabled the...
Read more...

10 Mar 06 - Data for Neighbourhood Renewal - UK/ England data sources

ODPM Neighbourhood Renewal Unit : Oxford Consultants for Social Inclusion (OCSI)

Website signposting to the datasets available for targeting, monitoring, priority setting and performance management at a neighbourhood level. The datasets and resources signposted from this project cover England, although many of the datasets may also cover Wales, Scotland and Northern...
Read more...

08 Mar 06 - Transforming communities: local partnerships making a difference

NACVS : NACVS

This short publication by NACVS looks at case studies of best practice between local government and the voluntary and community sector in deprived areas. It examines in particular the key role of Local Infrastructure Organisations (LIOs) in sustaining and supporting the sector. Although the...
Read more...

08 Mar 06 - Press release: Contract culture threatens community groups, research finds

bassac : bassac

This survey of bassac's members indicates that the Government’s push to move away from grant funding towards a contract culture is putting large swathes of the country’s community sector at risk. Many of the respondents to the survey felt that contracts were compromising their independence, were...
Read more...

28 Feb 06 - Closed Settings, Closed Minds? - Young People Who Self-harm

Self Harm UK : Self Harm UK - Inquiry into young people and self-harm

This report is the third in a series summarising the findings from the National Inquiry Panel meeting held in January 2005. This meeting examined the different experiences and perceptions of professionals and individuals across various institutional / residential settings including the armed...
Read more...

27 Feb 06 - Calling the shots: How supermarkets get their way in planning decisions

Friends of the Earth : Friends of the Earth

In this study, Friends of the Earth examine 200 ongoing planning disputes around the UK that relate to supermarket development. FoE also undertook interviews with councillors and community representatives. Conclusions drawn by FoE include that decisions made by local councils to accept new...
Read more...

14 Feb 06 - Breakish - Community Consultation and Evaluation of Development Options

An executive summary of the consultation carried out with the local Breakish community with 3 main aims: - To provide local people with the opportunity to identify their concerns and needs within the context of their place - To allow local people to envisage potential developments over the next...
Read more...

14 Feb 06 - Colonsay and Oronsay Community Planning Appraisal

A brief executive summary of a report produced in conjunction with the Colonsay and Oronsay Heritage Trust, the Colonsay Community Company and the Community Council, along with the communities of Colonsay and Oronsay. The aim of the study is to provide an agenda for sustainable community...
Read more...

14 Feb 06 - Sleat Community Planning Appraisal

CADISPA Project, University of Strathclyde, : Fagan, G.; McKain, R.

A brief executive summary of a report produced in conjunction with the Sleat Community Trust and the community of Sleat, Isle of Skye. The aim of the study is to provide an agenda for sustainable community development for the area and its community. METHODOLOGY A questionnaire was sent to the...
Read more...

14 Feb 06 - Boat of Garten Community Scoping Study

CADISPA Project, University of Strathclyde, : Fagan, G.; McKain, R.

The executive summary of a study carried out by CADISPA within its remit of seeking to help communities help themselves, and within the context of sustainable development. The report set out to document and analyse the social and micro-economic climate of Boat of Garten, and to identify factors...
Read more...

14 Feb 06 - Islay Healthy Living Centre Evaluation

An executive summary of CADISPA's evaluation of the Islay and Jura Healthy Living Centre (HLC). The purpose of this evaluation was to interrogate the job of the HLC and gather perceptions of its work and worth that would inform the development of HLC into the future. The CADISPA team used field...
Read more...

03 Feb 06 - Reaching Out - Women's Aid in a Rural Area

East Fife Women's Aid : Alison Mackay

In 1999 East Fife Women's Aid identified the need to increase acess to the service throughout the whole rural community. Funding from the Scottish Executive's Rural Challenge Project financed a research report on the type of service needed and how the organisation could best provide this service. ...
Read more...

31 Jan 06 - State of the Sector IV - Northern Ireland Voluntary and Community Sector Almanac

NICVA : NICVA

State of the Sector IV forms part of a research series of UK Almanacs. The report provides useful statistics on the Northern Ireland voluntary sector, and allows comparisons to be made between sub-sectors in NI and the rest of the UK. The website provides a telephone number and contact person from...
Read more...

31 Jan 06 - Network Support Fund – Action Research Evaluation

Communities Scotland : Clear Plan (UK) Ltd

The final report of the Action Research and Evaluation of the Network Support Fund Demonstration Projects sets out the background and policy context which informed the creation of the Network Support Fund for Community Engagement in Community Planning. It provides an analysis of the progress made...
Read more...

24 Jan 06 - City People: City Centre Living in the UK

Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) : Max Nathan and Chris Urwin

City People examines the size and nature of the city centre living phenomenon, focusing on the historic cores of Dundee, Liverpool and Manchester. It asks why it has happened, who is living in the heart of the city – and how long they plan to stay. It then assesses the economic and social benefits...
Read more...

20 Jan 06 - Following the Public Pound: a follow-up report

Audit Scotland : Accounts Commission

Report into local authority funding of arms-length and external organisations (ALEOs). The report recommends that councils need better information about their funding of external organisations and what is obtained for the money provided. See also SCVO's response (web link included)

18 Jan 06 - Stress and Wellbeing 2006

Developing Patient Partnerships : Developing Patient Partnerships

Report on new research into knowledge of stress and attitudes towards it in the UK, produced as part of the DPP’s Dealing With Stress campaign 2006. The report provides an insight into how stress is experienced and misunderstood by the UK population and our failure to adopt effective coping...
Read more...

16 Jan 06 - Mapping the Social Firm Sector 2005

Social Firms UK : Kathy Baker

Research into the Social Firm sector in the UK in 2005. The results include analysis of business sectors, employee information, legal structures and regions - the results for Scotland are available separately (see links).

13 Jan 06 - Who Runs Scotland 2006?

EOC : Equal Opportunities Commission Scotland

A look at women’s roles and representation in senior positions in the public and private sector. The report coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Sex Discrimination Act (SDA). It gives percentages for women in key job areas, as well as some thoughts on the reasons behind the figures.

06 Jan 06 - Monitoring Poverty and Social Exclusion in Scotland - 2005 findings

JRF/ NPI : New Policy Institute

In 2004, the New Policy Institute reported on poverty and social exclusion in Scotland. The Institute has now updated this analysis for all the latest data. Overall levels of income poverty continue to fall, particularly among pensioners and children. But almost a million people in Scotland still...
Read more...

21 Dec 05 - Mapping the Voluntary Sector in Rural Scotland: A rural urban comparison

SCVO : Sheree Sartain

This paper looks at the issue of rurality in Scotland and asks does rurality make a difference to volunteering? Are there consequences, for volunteering, from being defined as rural? And, finally, what is the evidence base for addressing these questions?

15 Dec 05 - Civil Society in the context of the Kyrgyz Republic and Scotland

Kanykey Jailobaeva : Kanykey Jailobaeva

The aim of this research was to explore and understand what civil society in the context of the former Soviet Union (FSU)is. Civil society in the FSU was compared with that in western countries. One country from each region was selected for the research: Scotland from western countries and the...
Read more...

12 Dec 05 - THE STOCKADE SYNDROME - Power and self-confidence in Scottish civil society

SCVO : Simon Jaquet Associates

Research Project Report for Civil Society Index / Social Capital. The principal aim of the research was to identify in what ways civil society builds the capability of individuals and communities to: • Inform and educate themselves • Take collective action • Meet the needs of marginalised...
Read more...

07 Dec 05 - A Coming of Age: Re-working Lives

Scottish Council Foundation : Linda Boyes and Jim McCormick

The results of a major study into the future of work and retirement, presenting the findings of in-depth research with employers and employees in various sectors of the Scottish economy. The authors identify a range of options to improve flexibility across working life and retirement.

02 Dec 05 - Research Findings Scotland No8 - Volunteering and Disability

Volunteer Development Scotland : Reilly, Christine

The findings are taken from a piece of research into Volunteering and Disability funded by Clydesdale Bank and carried out by VDS with support from Lead Scotland.

02 Dec 05 - Research Findings Scotland No7 - The Role of Asking

Volunteer Development Scotland : Baird, Laura

The findings are taken from a qualitative study into 'asking' which forms part of Volunteer Development Scotland's contribution to Year of the Volunteer 2005 Scotland.

29 Nov 05 - Common Good Land in Scotland. A Review and Critique

Caledonia Centre for Social Development : Andy Wightman & James Perman

This report documents the reported extent and status of common good land in Scotland by Local Authorities. It provides a critique of the existing stewardship of these assets and makes recommendations for new legislation to safeguard them.

25 Nov 05 - The impact of second and holiday homes on rural communities in Scotland

Communities Scotland : Communities Scotland

Until recently, policy instruments to address the impact of second and holiday homes have been minimal. However, across the UK, policy has increasingly turned towards direct intervention in this aspect of rural housing markets. Communities Scotland identified the need for an evidence base to...
Read more...

25 Nov 05 - Health advocacy: Views of Workers & Volunteers in London

King's Fund : King's Fund

Advocacy helps disadvantaged people make their voices heard, enabling them to access the services and support they need. The King's Fund has gathered a selection of views from people working in the advocacy sector about what is important to them. Interviews were carried out with professional...
Read more...

25 Nov 05 - Looking Forward to Care in Old Age: Expectations of the Next Generation

King's Fund : Ros Levenson, Mercy Jeyasingham, Nikki Joule

What do today’s middle-aged people expect of care services in the future? Based on discussions with seven focus groups of people in their 50s, living in different communities in London, this paper reports on what kind and quality of care they want, and the type of housing, residential and community...
Read more...

23 Nov 05 - SCVO AGM Members Briefing 2005

SCVO : Ruchir Shah

Latest intelligence on the voluntary sector for 2005, outlining differential growth of the sector and challenges to sector.

21 Nov 05 - Your project and its outcomes

Charities Evaluation Services : Sally Cupitt with Jean Ellis

Guide designed to help projects identify expected outcomes, show how progress is being made towards these outcomes, and how outcomes have been achieved

21 Nov 05 - Practical monitoring and evaluation: a guide for voluntary organisations

Charities Evaluation Service : Charities Evaluation Service

This newly updated guide from CES is a comprehensive and definitive guide to monitoring and evaluation for voluntary and community organisations. It takes the form of accessible 'how to' guide to monitoring and self-evaluation. It covers: introduction to basic concepts and theory; tools for...
Read more...

18 Nov 05 - Match Winners - A Guide to commercial collaborations between social enterprise and private sector business

Community Action Network : Community Action Network

CAN was sponsored by the DTI to examine working collaborations between social enterprise and private sector business. The resulting guide shows how social enterprise and private sector businesses can work together by describing a number of case studies of existing collaborations. The case studies...
Read more...

10 Nov 05 - Mobilising Britain’s Missing Workforce: Unemployment, incapacity benefit, and the regions

Catalyst : Steve Fothergill and John Grieve Smith

In its third term the Labour government is determined to move more people off incapacity benefits and into work. But Steve Fothergill and John Grieve Smith argue that a reliance on labour “supply side” measures such as benefit reforms will not solve the problem by itself. This will also require...
Read more...

07 Nov 05 - Social Focus on Deprived Areas 2005

Scottish Executive : Scottish Executive

New study examining poverty and disadvantage at a local and Scotland-wide level. The analysis is based on the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation ( SIMD) 2004 which identifies small area concentrations of multiple deprivation across Scotland. The publication provides new insight which can help...
Read more...

04 Nov 05 - The Older People's Inquiry - 'That little bit of help'

Joseph Rowntree Foundation : Secretariat to Older People's Inquiry

This paper is based on the findings of the Older People’s Inquiry, conducted in partnership with older people, academics and policy and practice stakeholders, into the provision of low-level support for older people – ‘that little bit of help’. The aims of the inquiry were to identify examples of...
Read more...

19 Oct 05 - Include Me In - how life skills help homeless people back into work

DEMOS : Hannah Lownsbrough

Include Me In examines the particular support needs of excluded adults returning to work. And it questions the idea that training focussed predominantly on job-related vocational skills will be enough for people trying to get work. It offers a model for bridging the gap between delivering...
Read more...

18 Oct 05 - Caring for our Children - foster care in Scotland

Fostering Network : Fostering Network

Caring for our Children is the most comprehensive review of foster care in Scotland ever to be published. Based on a survey of foster carers and fostering providers, it describes a fostering service struggling to cope with the demands placed upon it. It was compiled from survey responses from 693...
Read more...

18 Oct 05 - Managing National Lottery Distribution Fund balances

The Stationary Office Ltd : House of Commons Committee of Public Accounts

Report looking at the levels of balances held by the 15 UK Lottery distributors. The report looks critically at the extent to which distributors have (and have not) managed to reduce balances, manage risk and set targets. The report contains useful statistics on Lottery funding, and looks briefly...
Read more...

12 Oct 05 - Promoting Excellence in Scotland's Communities - a guide to performance improvement techniques in community regeneration

Communities Scotland : Scottish Centre for Regeneration, Quality Scotland

This guide has been produced as a result of a partnership between Communities Scotland’s Scottish Centre for Regeneration and Quality Scotland in order to help support the continuous improvement of all organisations involved in community regeneration. The guide introduces and outlines a wide range...
Read more...

11 Oct 05 - Internet for Social Policy - a 'teach yourself' tutorial

Resource Discovery Network's Virtual Training Suite : Angela Upton

A free, "teach yourself" tutorial. The Internet for Social Policy is a guide to using the Internet for research, with UK social work students as its target audience. The tutorial is designed to be used as part of an information literacy programme, either as a resource to base a workshop around or...
Read more...

10 Oct 05 - Health, Well-being and Social Inclusion - Therapeutic Horticulture in the UK

Loughborough University and Thrive : Joe Sempik, Jo Aldridge and Saul Becker

This is a summary of the final report of the three-year research project Growing Together – Promoting Social Inclusion, Health and Well-being for Vulnerable Adults through the use of Horticulture and Gardening. This is the main report of the Growing Together study, and contains the research...
Read more...

07 Oct 05 - The benefits barrier - What impact do welfare benefits have on volunteering?

Citizens Advice Bureau : John Ramsey

Study examining whether the perception that volunteering adversely affects their benefits is a barrier to people on welfare benefits taking up volunteering. The aims of this Uk-wide survey were to provide a more quantitative analysis of the impact welfare benefits has on volunteering at a broader...
Read more...

07 Oct 05 - Evaluating community projects - a practical guide

JRF : Marilyn Taylor, Derrick Purdue, Mandy Wilson and Pete Wilde

These guidelines were initially developed as part of the JRF Neighbourhood Programme. This programme is made up of 20 community or voluntary organisations all wanting to exercise a more strategic influence in their neighbourhood. The guidelines were originally written to help these organisations...
Read more...

28 Sep 05 - Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the National Intermediaries’ Support for Community Planning

Communities Scotland : Cathy Sharp, Mark Bitel and Myra Kandemiri

The National Intermediaries Support for Community Planning Programme was established to strengthen the communities’ voices in Community Planning. Funding was provided to 16 national voluntary organisations (known here as national intermediaries) for a series of proposals which targeted different...
Read more...

23 Sep 05 - Involving deaf BSL users as volunteers

Deaf Connections : Gillions, Jennie

A brief overview of the problems that deaf people face, some ideas to tackle them and a case study.

23 Sep 05 - Doing Community Research

bassac : bassac

"With the emphasis firmly on doing, this resource paper provides some hints and tips to get you underway with research." Short basic introduction to conducting community research, illustrated by a collection of case studies. 12 pages.

22 Sep 05 - Close Work: Doing qualitative research in the voluntary sector

This paper reports on a workshop held at the NCVO in 2002 which dealt with qualitative research. This workshop was supported by CAF and involved Pete Alcock, Duncan Scott and Cathy Pharoah. Following the workshop, CAF published their research in book form.The opportunities and challenges of...
Read more...

22 Sep 05 - Volunteering and Disability

Volunteer Development Scotland : Reilly, Christine

The research utilised a variety of research methods including questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, and engaged with organisations and individuals throughout Scotland. Findings indicate that although disabled people volunteer, both individuals and organisations feel that they are...
Read more...

20 Sep 05 - 1 + 1 = 3 - Does size really matter? Collaborative working between large and small voluntary and community organisations

NCVO : Linda Joy Mitchell & Kelly A Drake

This report presents key findings from a scoping study of collaborative working between large and small voluntary and community organisations (VCOs). The report refers specifically to structures, benefits, barriers and what works within large/small collaborations. The study also analysed 8 case...
Read more...

20 Sep 05 - Case Studies - Sharing Back Office Services

NCVO Collaborative Working Unit : NCVO Collaborative Working Unit

'Sharing back office services' is the first in an NCVO series of models of the different ways that voluntary and community organisations can work together. Back office services are the supporting functions that enable organisations to carry out their charitable activities. They include premises,...
Read more...

19 Sep 05 - Why Rich People Give

Philanthropy UK / Association of Charitable Foundations : Theresa Lloyd

Summary of research undertaken to develop a shared understanding of the attitudes of wealthy people to their wealth – its creation, holding and disposition. With this understanding we hope that charities and fundraising organisations will be more effective in developing and managing their...
Read more...

16 Sep 05 - Building on New Deal: local solutions meeting individual needs

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) : Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)

This paper published by DWP sets out the Government strategy for the evolution of Welfare to Work policies and programmes. It follows a preliminary paper published on 19th May 2004 and provides fuller details of the Government's plans to introduce greater flexibility to suit the requirements of...
Read more...

16 Sep 05 - Good Practice in Rural Development - Innovative Methods of Service Delivery in Rural Scotland

Scottish Executive/ Scottish National Rural Partnership : Jon Pickering

Access to services ties in with opportunity, quality of life, and social justice. People in remote or rural areas are especially vulnerable to social exclusion. Making services more accessible can be seen, therefore, as a positive step towards tackling geographic and social marginalisation. This...
Read more...

16 Sep 05 - Charting the Charity Universe

Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) : Charities Aid Foundation (CAF)

Research slideshow presentation from CAF's 2004 annual conference. The presentation examines the diversity of the charity universe, revealing how widely the income dynamics of different causes vary. It also uncovers dramatic differences between the fundraising potential of the various sub-sectors.

15 Sep 05 - A Diamond for Scotland - The Scottish Civil Society Index (2005)

SCVO : Ruchir Shah

Interim report for the CIVICUS Civil Society Index for Scotland, an assessment of civil society in Scotland led by SCVO in partnership with a range of civil society representatives. The purpose of the Civil Society Index is to kickstart an informed debate on civil society - whether it has the...
Read more...

15 Sep 05 - The New Opportunities Fund and rural Scotland: patterns of funding and response to need

Big Lottery : Big Lottery Fund with Robert Rogerson, Sue Sadler and Andrew Copus

In March 2004, the then New Opportunities Fund commissioned the University of Strathclyde to conduct research into how effectively and equitably the Fund’s grant-making has reached rural Scotland. The final report was received in May 2005 and a summary report has recently been published. The...
Read more...

13 Sep 05 - The Shirts off their Backs: How tax policies fleece the poor

Christian Aid : Christian Aid

The debate about how poor countries fund their escape from poverty has hitherto focused mainly on calls for debt cancellation and increases in aid. This briefing focuses on the importance of taxation in poor countries, using new research from a global network of economists – the Tax Justice...
Read more...

13 Sep 05 - Being Young in Scotland 2005: Young People's Participation in Youth Work, Arts, Culture and Sport

Scottish Executive : MORI

This report presents findings from the 2005 YouthLink Scotland State of the Nation Survey, incorporating the results from both the Schools omnibus and the young people survey of 17-25 year olds. This study represents the second wave of the survey with the first having been conducted in 2003. This...
Read more...

13 Sep 05 - Social Enterprise strategy for Wales

Welsh Assembly Government : Social Economy Team, Welsh Assembly Government

This document is aimed at social enterprise practitioners and those who facilitate the development of the social economy in Wales. Useful information to compare with Scotland, including Strategic Objectives, and Measuring & Evaluating Impact of Strategy.

12 Sep 05 - Public Attitudes to Participation

Scottish Executive : Stephen Hope and Susan King (MORI Scotland)

This research was commissioned to gather information on public attitudes to, and experiences of, issues related to civic participation. The research was carried out by placing a module of questions in the first wave of MORI's Social Policy Monitor.

12 Sep 05 - Civic Participation in Public Policy-Making: A Literature Review

Scottish Executive : Linda Nicholson

This literature review of civic participation in public policy-making forms one part of a wider study aimed at investigating civic participation activity undertaken by the Scottish Executive. Other elements of the overall study comprise a survey of civic participation activity and a mapping of...
Read more...

09 Sep 05 - Sports Participation in Scotland 2001

sportscotland : sportscotland

Since 1987, sportscotland has collected data on adult (aged 16 and over) sports participation. This research digest presents the data collected during 1999, 2000 and 2001, with trend data providing a picture of change over time. Since 1997, data has also been collected from young people (aged 8-18)...
Read more...

09 Sep 05 - The Role of Sport in Regenerating Deprived Areas

The Scottish Executive in collaboration with sportscotland commissioned the Centre for Leisure Research to undertake a study to explore the role which sport has played in the regeneration of urban areas in Scotland and to explore wider evidence for the assumption that sport can contribute...
Read more...

09 Sep 05 - Individuals' Donations to Charities and their use of tax relief

HMRC : Deborah Smeaton, Alan Marsh, Ruth Rajkumar and Andrew Thomas

The study was commissioned by the Inland Revenue "to increase policy understanding of the relationship between charitable giving among individual citizens and the tax relief now available on their gifts". The study investigated the extent British people gave money to charity over the last 12...
Read more...

07 Sep 05 - Awareness of Age-related Macular Degeneration and associated Risk factors

AMD Alliance International : AMD Alliance International

Report looking at awareness of AMD, and related risk factors. Survey results from a range of countries, covering a range of factors including: smoking, age, diet, exercise. Partner organisations of AMDAI include RBNIB.

07 Sep 05 - Skilling up our workforce - A strategy for developing skills in the voluntary sector in Scotland

Scottish Executive : SCVO

Short briefing setting out the findings of a recent consultation with a wide range of stakeholders including voluntary organisations and key learning and skills partners. The leaflet sets out 17 Key Aims, each with several objectives for action. The action points are recommendations for...
Read more...

26 Aug 05 - The voluntary sector delivering public services: Transfer or transformation?

Two papers reviewing the political and practical impact of expanding the role of the voluntary and community sectors in delivering public services. The two papers in this study review both the political impact and the practical effect of the proposed expansion in the role of the voluntary and...
Read more...

08 Aug 05 - Clearing Hurdles: how the social economy’s workforce shapes up – entry points into the sector (seminar report)

SCVO : SCVO

Seminar report and presentations on social economy workforce issues, highlighting the challenge in making the social economy sector a positive career choice for more men and women. Seminar took place 28 April 2005.

08 Aug 05 - First Steps in Monitoring and Evaluation

Charities Evaluation Service : Lucy Bishop

Booklet developed for voluntary organisations and projects with little or no experience of monitoring and evaluation. A five-step, easy-to-follow approach is outlined which can be used by small organisations to help them evaluate their own projects.

27 Jul 05 - Cultural Renaissance of the Highlands

HI-Arts : Bryan Beattie & David B Pirnie

A discussion paper examining cultural activity in the Highlands, which argues for an inclusive definition of Highland culture and examines the evidence for an ongoing cultural renaissance. Includes facts and figures on voluntary sector activity in Highland regions.

27 Jul 05 - Na hEileanaich Ealanta - Creative Islanders: Culture and Creativity in the Hebrides

HI-Arts : Déirdre MacMahon

Research study into the local culture of the Hebridean islands and their people, looking at issues which could improve creativity, e.g. arts infrastructure, promotion of Gàidhlig (gaelic). The study is based on one-to-one interviews with over 50 people who live, work and create in the Hebridean...
Read more...

25 Jul 05 - The Jeweller’s story: branding case studies from the voluntary sector

nfpSynergy : nfpSynergy

The Jeweller's story follows on from nfpSynergy's 2002 publication 'Polishing the Diamond'. The new report pulls together a series of branding case studies from across the voluntary sector, and incorporates some simple branding tools that could help organisations develop their own approach to...
Read more...

08 Jul 05 - Charitable Giving and Donor Motivations

ESRC / NCVO : Dr Sally Hibbert and Dr Tom Farsides

An ESRC/NCVO commissioned seminar report, "Charitable Giving and Donor Motivation" covers work by Sally Hibbert and Tom Farsides on the motivations and strategies used by donors when making the decision to give or not.

30 Jun 05 - Leadership And Management Development In Social Services Organisations

Scottish Leadership Foundation : Zoë van Zwanenberg

The Scottish Executive commissioned this short life study in January 2005 as a follow on study to the work completed and published in January 2003 on Leadership and Management in Social Work. The aim of this second study is to look at what has changed in the intervening period and to set this...
Read more...

27 Jun 05 - A Snapshot of the Scottish Voluntary Sector (2005)

SCVO : Ruchir Shah, SCVO

This briefing is a 4 page summary covering newly updated facts and figures on the size and shape of the Scottish voluntary sector as at February 2005.

27 Jun 05 - A Snapshot of the Scottish Voluntary Sector (2005)

SCVO : Ruchir Shah, SCVO

This briefing is a 4 page summary covering newly updated facts and figures on the size and shape of the Scottish voluntary sector as at February 2005.

27 Jun 05 - A Smart Successful Highlands and Islands

Highlands & Islands Enterprise (HIE) : MORI

Consultation to inform HIE's strategy for tackling the national objectives of "A Smart Successful Scotland" , aiming to gain a comprehensive picture of the perceptions and priorities of stakeholders to ensure as many views as possible were considered and given the opportunity to inform the...
Read more...

23 Jun 05 - Civil renewal and active citizenship: a guide to the debate

NCVO : NCVO: Veronique Jochum, Belinda Pratten, Karl Wilding

This report aims to illustrate some of the main ideas and concepts that underpin civil renewal and active citizenship debates, followed by a review of government policies and research on what voluntary and community organisations think. It concludes with thoughts for how public policy on active...
Read more...

23 May 05 - Sustainable futures: investing in community-based organisations

New Economics Foundation : Stephen Thake

The Adventure Capital Fund was designed as an experimental programme to provide investment finance for independent community-based organisations seeking to increase the scale and sustainability of their operations through engaging in enterprise initiatives. This is the second report of the...
Read more...

23 May 05 - Prove it: measuring the effect of neighbourhood renewal on local people

Handbook (70pp)outlining a method for measuring the effect of community projects on local people, on the relationships between them and on their quality of life. The method involves local people in both choosing the indicators and collecting data. It has been tested in 16 areas of the country....
Read more...

11 May 05 - Community Research - Getting Started

ARVAC : ARVAC

A guide for individuals and groups wanting to get started with a community research project. This draws on lessons learnt from a ground breaking UK wide project, supporting community groups to carry out their own research. Written specifically for community groups, the pack is also useful to...
Read more...

19 Apr 05 - In the Right Place – accessibility, local services and older people

Help the Aged : Alan Burnett (Help the Aged)

This report is intended as a guide to those seeking to plan accessible services and transport strategies, with older people in mind. It has been produced to supplement the Department for Transport guidance on accessibility planning, to help local authorities ensure that the needs of older...
Read more...

15 Apr 05 - Participation Works! 21 techniques of community participation for the 21st century

Everyone says participation works. But what does participation really mean, and what makes it really happen? This handbook contains 21 proven techniques from around the world. It shows how to choose between them, how to use them properly and where to go for more information. Contains a wide range...
Read more...

13 Apr 05 - The Scottish Voluntary Sector Social Services Workforce Survey 2001

Scottish Social Services Council : Scottish Social Services Council

2001 survey to establish comprehensive information on the Voluntary Sector Social Services Workforce and its training and qualification needs. Useful to compare with recent surveys.

13 Apr 05 - Growing the BEM Voluntary Sector - Mapping The Black & Ethnic Minorities Voluntary Sector In Scotland 2004/5

BEMIS : Marion Lacey (SCVO), Rami Ousta (BEMIS)

In November 2004 BEMIS, in conjunction with SCVO, undertook a mapping of the voluntary sector organisations in Scotland. The aims of this study was: “To produce a report setting out the known characteristics of the BEM voluntary sector – covering issues such as size, income, activities,...
Read more...

04 Apr 05 - Cycling Scotland Assessment of Local Authorities April 2005

Cycling Scotland : Cycling Scotland

Detailed study focusing on Local Authority plans and policies related to cycling and to the engagement of stakeholders. All thirty two Local Authorities were assessed and a summary report with recommendations is available for each Local Authority. Cycling Scotland acknowledges the difference in...
Read more...

31 Mar 05 - Monitoring and Evaluation of the Scottish Compact Baseline Results 2004

The Scottish Compact is a Protocol that sets out the key principles whereby the Scottish Executive, its agencies, NDPBs and the voluntary sector can work in partnership. To oversee implementation of the Compact a Review Group was established in 2002. In a 2004 report it outlined proposals for...
Read more...

29 Mar 05 - Full Cost Recovery - an electronic guide and toolkit on cost allocation

acevo : acevo

Interactive CD-Rom designed to help organisations work out exactly how much it costs to run their services. The website provides information on each area of ACEVO's Full Cost Solutions package, and the first version is available for download.

29 Mar 05 - Surer Funding: the acevo Commission of Inquiry Report

ACEVO : ACEVO / New Philanthropy Capital

Despite government guidance, many third sector contracts for public service delivery are short-term, insecure, undervalued and bureaucratic. The Surer Funding: acevo Commission of Inquiry Report proposes a bold new framework of financial incentives to bridge the gap between government policy and...
Read more...

29 Mar 05 - Should you collaborate? Key Questions

NCVO : NCVO

This checklist aims to help organisations to decide whether to embark on collaborative working by compiling key issues for exploration. It is aimed at those considering arrangements at the more formal end of the collaborative working spectrum and involving a considerable investment of resources....
Read more...

29 Mar 05 - Funders' Survey - Collaborative Working within the Voluntary Sector

NCVO : NCVO

Survey by NCVO's Collaborative Working Unit to assess understanding of collaborative working among funders of voluntary and community organisations. The survey looked at levels of awareness of the range of collaborative working options and at how funders perceived their role as funders or...
Read more...

24 Mar 05 - Capturing Cultural Value - How culture has become a tool of government policy

DEMOS : John Holden

Cultural organisations and their funding bodies have become very good at describing their value in terms of social outcomes. Tackling exclusion, increasing diversity and contributing to economic development are all familiar justifications in grant applications. But by talking in functional terms...
Read more...

24 Mar 05 - Making Heritage Count?

Heritage Lottery Fund : MORI

A research study conducted for English Heritage, Department for Culture, Media and Sport and the Heritage Lottery Fund. The aim was to improve and further understanding of who is participating in the historic environment and how to better engage with excluded ethnic and socially deprived groups. ...
Read more...

24 Mar 05 - Survival Skills - Using life skills to tackle social exclusion

DEMOS & CRISIS : Sarah Gillinson, Hannah Lownsbrough, Gillian Thomas

Survival Skills investigates how the life skills concept has been successful used to tackle social exclusion, including an innovative facility called Skylight, which is run by the homeless charity, Crisis. The authors make recommendations for service providers and policy makers on how to develop...
Read more...

24 Mar 05 - Scotland 2020 - Hopeful stories for a northern nation

DEMOS : Eddie Gibb, Gerry Hassan, Lydia Howland

Scotland 2020 is a project that explored the connection between stories and thinking imaginatively about the future. The project looks at new ways to think about the future and making significant contribution to the renewal of political culture. Not research as such, but several interesting takes...
Read more...

22 Mar 05 - What Works in Community Involvement in Area-based Initiatives?

A systematic review of research evidence on the effectiveness of community involvement in area based initiatives (ABIs). Community involvement is an important feature of public policy and of ABIs in particular, and yet the assumptions of policy makers that it will have beneficial effects are little...
Read more...

22 Mar 05 - Measuring Deprivation in Scotland: Developing a Long-Term Strategy

This report was commissioned by the Central Statistics Unit of the Scottish Executive with three main objectives: To provide a clear definition and conceptual basis for measuring deprivation. It will also clarify how the term relates to others used to refer to social needs such as poverty, social...
Read more...

22 Mar 05 - Social Exclusion in Rural Areas: A Review of Recent Research

Arkleton Centre for Rural Development Research : Prof Mark Shucksmith

This paper reviews recent research on social exclusion in rural areas of England, giving an indication of how this has been addressed successfully in practice, and going on to suggest avenues for future research. The paper begins with a discussion of approaches to studying social exclusion in rural...
Read more...

17 Mar 05 - Active ageing in active communities - Volunteering and the transition to retirement

Policy Press / JRF : Justin Davis Smith and Pat Gay

This study is intended to throw light on the part played by volunteering in the transition by examining closely the experiences of volunteers and the organisations that involve them. The main focus of the study has been on ‘what works’ in relation to the involvement of older people as volunteers,...
Read more...

15 Mar 05 - Map of independent advocacy across scotland

Advocacy Safeguards Agency : Advocacy Safeguards Agency

The purpose of this report is to map out the current situation with regard to independent advocacy across Scotland. This includes a description of individual advocacy projects, the level, source and security of their funding, and committed developments to March 2004.

15 Mar 05 - Keep it Real - Youth Participation Pack

Youth Scotland : Youth Scotland

This pack takes a practical approach to the issue of youth participation. It views youth participation as an integral part of quality youth work and provides a varied selection of activities, tried and tested by young people, which then build into sample programmes. Activities are designed to build...
Read more...

15 Mar 05 - Sustainability Checklist

Network 21 : Network 21

Brief checklist providing a tool to indentify sustainable ways forward for projects. As well as simple SWOT analysis, the tool contains useful sustainability indicators for: Community, Economy, Environment, Future/Long-term impact.

14 Mar 05 - Scottish Credit Unions - meeting member demands and needs

Scottish Executive Social Research : GEN Consulting

This research was undertaken in mid to late 2004. The main objective was to add to the credit union evidence base by identifying the characteristics of credit union members and the types of financial products and services they would like their unions to offer. A secondary objective was to test the...
Read more...

10 Mar 05 - Meeting needs, addressing deeds - working with young people who offend

This publication brings together contributions from various commentators in Scotland and England on addressing the challenges of young people who offend. The book is available for purchase from the below link.

10 Mar 05 - Working with complaints: a training resource pack for project staff

NCH : NCH

A pack originally developed for NCH staff, which includes a workbook and a CD of facilitators' materials. Much of the material is relevant to social care staff in all sectors and activities can be adapted to varied workplaces.

10 Mar 05 - Commissioning children’s services and the role of the voluntary and community sector

NCH : Jeanne King

A comprehensive guide to a complex and constantly changing process. The report was produced by the Local Government Association, NCH, the Improvement and Development Agency, the Connaught Group of medium-sized children’s organisations, and the National Council for Voluntary Child Care Organisations

10 Mar 05 - United for children? How devolution is impacting on children's policy across the UK

NCH : Caroline Abrahams, Jacqui McCluskey and George McNamara

A look at how devolution in Scotland and Wales has impacted on children's services. The review comes from NCH as a leading children's charity providing services across all 4 nations.

10 Mar 05 - 'School let me down': overcoming barriers to educational achievement

NCH / Action for Children : Amanda Allard and George McNamara

A survey of young people using NCH services about their experiences of education. The report examines the impact of educational underachievement, as a cause and a consequence of social exclusion.

09 Mar 05 - Annual Digest of Statistics on Volunteering in Scotland 2005

Volunteer Development Scotland : Reilly, Christine

This is the second annual digest of statistics on volunteering in Scotland produced by Volunteer Development Scotland, the national centre of excellence in volunteering. The digest presents in concise and readily accessible form statistical information available on the demographic, economic and...
Read more...

08 Mar 05 - Something to believe in: a report on recruitment problems and opportunities in the Scottish Voluntary Sector.

HR Network : Scottish Centre for Employment Research

Drawing on existing research, this report examines recruitment in the Scottish voluntary sector and offers practical recommendations to improve it. The research was conducted over summer 2004 and carried out in three stages: • review of academic, government and commercial literature and data...
Read more...

07 Mar 05 - Improving the Collection of Volunteering Data in Scotland

Scottish Executive : Robert Stevenson, RDS Consulting

The Scottish Executive commissioned RDS Consulting to conduct research to assist in the development of a module of questions for subsequent inclusion in the Scottish Household Survey (SHS) from 2005 onwards. The overall aim of the research was to improve the collection of volunteering data in...
Read more...

07 Mar 05 - The Draft Charities Bill: Focus Group Discussions with the General Public

Scottish Executive : Todd Associates/ Van Döet Consulting

The Scottish Executive intends to introduce a new bill to regulate charities operating in Scotland. This bill is, currently, in draft form and has been the subject of extensive public consultation with interested parties. The Executive’s normal consultation process tends to elicit responses and...
Read more...

04 Mar 05 - Voluntary Sector: the Need for ICT Support - Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire

Scottish Enterprise : Marilyn Workman

This report provides supporting evidence for the findings of the earlier report into the ICT needs of voluntary organisations in Tayside (available on the SRD). In addition, this report also looks at the difference in demand for ICT support in rural and rural areas.

04 Mar 05 - Adult Numeracy: Shifting the Focus

Communities Scotland : Diana Coben

A Research Report and Recommendations for Adult Numeracy in Scotland. Report of a project on adult numeracy in Scotland, commissioned by Learning Connections, Communities Scotland. The project aimed to develop guidelines and recommendations for learning and teaching approaches and areas of...
Read more...

04 Mar 05 - Illuminating Practice: Case Studies in community learning & development

Communities Scotland : Learning Connections Communities Scotland

A collection of case studies illustrating how community learning and development can make a positive impact on people's lives and close the opportunities gap. The case studies complement the Executive's guidance 'Working and Learning Together to Build Stronger Communities' (see Online Links...
Read more...

18 Feb 05 - The Engagement of BME Communities in Community Planning in the context of Environment (Cardiff, Newport & Swansea)

Black Environment Network (BEN) : Siobhan Hayward

To assess the degree to which black and minority ethnic (BME) communities have been involved in the community planning process in the context of environment, and to use this to inform future action by local authorities and the possible role of Black Environment Network (BEN) to promote meaningful...
Read more...

18 Feb 05 - Ethnic Environmental Participation - Key Articles: Volumes 1, 2, 3 etc

Black Environment Network (BEN) : Judy Ling Wong, BEN

A range of articles presented in volume format, looking at ethnic communities' participation within the built and natural environment and the sustainable development agenda.

11 Feb 05 - Research Findings Scotland No6 - Young People Volunteering

Volunteer Development Scotland : Reilly, Christine

This Research Findings Scotland is the sixth in a series of bulletins on research into volunteering in Scotland published by Volunteer Development Scotland. The findings are taken from a variety of quantitative and qualitative research into volunteering and young people in Scotland and the UK.

28 Jan 05 - Interim Update of Key Indicators of Women's position in Britain (December 2004)

DTI : Women and Equality Unit, DTI

This report provides an update to the tables and figures presented in “Key indicators of women’s position in Britain 2002”, using the most recent data where available. The research provides reliable and up-to-date information on women in various aspects of economic and social life.

28 Jan 05 - Being Outside: Constructing a response to street prostitution

Scottish Executive : Expert Group on Prostitution

a review the legal, policing, health, and social justice issues surrounding prostitution in Scotland and to consider options for the future.

25 Jan 05 - Housing Advice in Scotland

Shelter Scotland : Robina Goodlad, Ann Rosengard

Housing advice is a key issue in housing policy in Scotland. This report seeks to stimulate and contribute to a review of the nature and quality of housing advice services across Scotland. This research considers the planning and delivery of housing information and advice in both the voluntary and...
Read more...

25 Jan 05 - Repeat homelessness and domestic abuse

Shelter Scotland : Brendon Buck

This report focuses on the experiences of women in Scotland for whom domestic abuse has been the trigger for a cycle of repeat homelessness. Based on detailed interviews with women, it explores their experiences accessing housing and support, and makes recommendations for how such services could...
Read more...

25 Jan 05 - Women, prostitution and homelessness in Edinburgh

Shelter Scotland : Carol McNaughton

Prostitution and homelessness are contentious issues in modern Scotland, often linked together by social exclusion, poverty, family breakdown and addiction. This report explores a number of women's experiences of homelessness and prostitution in Edinburgh. The report's main finding is that women...
Read more...

12 Jan 05 - Well? What do you think? (2004): the second national Scottish survey of public attitudes to mental health [...]

Scottish Executive Social Research : Simon Braunholz, Sara Davidson, Susan King

The second national Scottish survey of public attitudes to mental health, mental well-being and mental health problems. The aims of the study were to: examine the views of a representative sample of the adult Scottish population on a range of mental health-related issues; and to compare findings...
Read more...

12 Jan 05 - Policies towards poverty, inequality and exclusion since 1997

Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) : LSE

This study, by members and associates of the LSE's Centre for Analysis of Social Exclusion, surveys the impact of the Labour Government's social policies since its election in 1997. Although the report highlights progress made for families with children, the research throws up other areas where...
Read more...

21 Dec 04 - Building Bridges: Local responses to the resettlement of asylum seekers in Glasgow

Scottish Centre for Research on Social Justice : Karen Wren

Changes to British immigration and asylum policy have resulted the dispersal of several thousand asylum seekers to Glasgow since 2000. The provision of appropriate support services has created a demand for new structures for their delivery. Services have been co-ordinated through locally based...
Read more...

01 Dec 04 - Priced out: the cost of rural homes

Shelter : Shelter

This report highlights the threat posed by rising house prices to rural communities in Scotland - especially acute in Argyll & Bute, the Borders and Dumfries and Galloway - and England

29 Nov 04 - Monitoring poverty and social exclusion in Scotland 2004

Joseph Rowntree Foundation : Guy Palmer, Jane Carr and Peter Kenway

The New Policy Institute has produced a second report monitoring poverty and social exclusion in Scotland. Building on the first 2002 edition, this report focuses on variations within Scotland. Overall, four key issues emerge namely, working-age adults without dependent children, the economically...
Read more...

23 Nov 04 - Why worry anymore about low pay?

New Policy Institute : Catherine Howarth and Peter Kenway

This pamphlet explores why the National Minimum Wage and tax credits have not solved the problem of low pay, which affects up to seven million UK workers. It proposes a "New Deal for the Low Paid", in which the public sector has a leading role to play.

23 Nov 04 - A Stitch in Time ... Saves Nine

This is a study into the levels of HR support offered by voluntary sector infrastructure organisations. The study shows that voluntary organisations are approaching infrastructure organisations for help with HR issues too late, often when a situation has reached crisis point. The findings are...
Read more...

16 Nov 04 - Scotland's Towns the Forgotten Challenge

the Hahn Practice Scotland : Roland Hahn & Steven Boyne

In the context of development studies in the UK, the development of towns has hitherto suffered from neglect in comparison with the effort which has been directed towards urban areas. This short paper examines the developement and regeneration issues facing Scotland's towns.

10 Nov 04 - Community assets - scoping study 2003-2004

Highlands & Islands Enterprise (HIE) : MCM Associates, SCVO

An asessment of the asset base of the community business sector in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. The scoping study was commissioned by Highlands and Islands Enterprise as a key element of its work to strengthen communities as set out in its strategy ‘A Smart Successful Scotland – the...
Read more...

19 Oct 04 - Social Exclusion Report 2003 - Mind the Gap

Leonard Cheshire : Jo Campion, Caroline Greenlaugh, John Knight

Leonard Cheshire's annual social exclusion report investigates the impact of inaccessible transport on the lives of disabled people and the ecomony.

19 Oct 04 - Fair Treatment - A Survey of Disability Access Policies in Primary Care Trusts

Leonard Cheshire : Jo Campion

Leonard Cheshire's report into the barriers facing disabled people in Primary Care Trusts throughout the UK. The report demonstrates the gap between Government expectations about challenging discrimination on the one hand, and reality on the other. It finds that Primary Care Trusts are failing many...
Read more...

18 Oct 04 - Racial Equality in Football: A Survey

The Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) commissioned this report from the Carnegie National Sports Development Centre at Leeds Metropolitan University. It is an analysis of responses to questionnaires on racial equality in football, which the CRE sent out at the end of 2003 to the 92...
Read more...

14 Oct 04 - Research Findings Scotland No5 - BME Volunteering

Volunteer Development Scotland : Reilly, Christine

This Research Findings Scotland is the fifth in a series of bulletins on research into volunteering in Scotland published by Volunteer Development Scotland. The findings are taken from a piece of research into Black and Minority Ethnic diverse volunteering carried out by Volunteer Development...
Read more...

28 Sep 04 - Monitoring National Minimum Concessionary Fares

Scottish Executive : Colin Buchanan & Partners

To establish current and future patterns of concession use, before and after the introduction of a national minimum in October 2002. This study will provide behavioural information as well as data on the extent of use.

28 Sep 04 - Modern Apprenticeships: Improving Completion Rates

Scottish Executive : Gallacher, J; Whittaker, S; & Crossan, B (CRLL)

This research looks closely at wide-ranging reasons why a significant number of young people do not complete the Modern Apprenticeship qualification, and how the scheme can be improved to attract and keep high numbers of apprentices until completion of the training.

28 Sep 04 - The Elusive Nature of the Learning Society: a Profile of Adult Participation in Education and Training in Scotland

Scottish Executive : Professor Maria Slowey (Glasgow University)

An in-depth analysis of the Scottish sample of a UK-wide survey on adult participation in learning. The analysis presents a demographic breakdown of results and considers issues such as motivation to learn and access to learning.

28 Sep 04 - Survey Of The Development And Well-Being Of Children And Adolescents Looked After By Local Authorities In Scotland

Scottish Executive : Howard Meltzer et. al. (National Statistics)

This study examined the prevalence of mental health problems of children aged 5-15 who were being looked after by local authorities in Scotland. It focused primarily on the impact and/or burden of these mental health problems in terms of social impairment and disruption to others.

28 Sep 04 - Preventing Domestic Abuse in the Western Isles: The Community Perspective

Scottish Executive : Morag MacNeil et. al.

The research explored perceptions about domestic abuse held by various groups in the Western Isles, including people with experience of abuse, professionals, and the communities more generally.

28 Sep 04 - Evaluation of the Scottish Domestic Abuse Helpline

Scottish Executive : Louise Brown Research

This research was commissioned by the Scottish Executive to provide feedback on the service provided by the Helpline to assist decisions about its future operation. The research methods included: interviews with staff, key stakeholders and a sample of 12 volunteers who operate the Helpline; a...
Read more...

28 Sep 04 - The Hamilton Sherrif Youth Court Pilot: The First Six Months

A pilot Youth Court was introduced in Hamilton Sheriff Court in June 2003. It is targeted on alleged offenders aged 16 and 17 (and appropriate 15 year olds) who are resident in North or South Lanarkshire, have had three separate incidents of offending in the previous six months resulting in a...
Read more...

28 Sep 04 - Attitudes to Discrimination in Scotland

Scottish Executive : Catherine Bromley and John Curtice (Nat Cen Scotland)

An analysis of a survey module to assess and explore public attitudes to discrimination in Scotland

28 Sep 04 - Life in Low Income Families - Research Report

This report is the second stage of a research project which explores the views and experiences of poverty amongst those living within low income households with at least one child under the age of 18. This report and the literature review which preceded it (McKendrick et al. 2003) inform the...
Read more...

28 Sep 04 - Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Scotland: A Skills and Aspirations Audit

This study was developed and conducted by the Scottish Executive in partnership with the Scottish Refugee Council (SRC). The aim of the project was to audit the skills and aspirations of refugees and asylum seekers living in Scotland. The study was conducted in parallel with a study commissioned by...
Read more...

28 Sep 04 - Diversity in the Public Appointments Process in Scotland

Scottish Executive : Reid Howie Associates Ltd

This study was commissioned by the Scottish Executive to examine the public appointments process in Scotland, to identify the reasons for the current under-representation of a number of groups and to make recommendations to help to produce a more diverse range of candidates.

28 Sep 04 - Focus Groups with Minority Ethnic Communities

Scottish Executive : Blake Stevenson Ltd

In February 2000 the Scottish Executive committed itself to major new research aimed at providing better information on the circumstances and needs of people from minority ethnic communities. This study aimed at exploring the specific information needs of members of minority ethnic communities for...
Read more...

28 Sep 04 - Working for Families: Lessons from the Pilot Projects (stage 1)

Scottish Executive : Keith Hayton and Michelle Myron (Gen Consulting)

As part of the Scottish Executive’s strategy for eliminating child poverty within a generation, in mid-2003 funding was given to Dumfries and Galloway and Glasgow Councils to set up pilot Working for Families projects. In total 11 projects were funded for one year: 8 in Dumfries and Galloway and 3...
Read more...

28 Sep 04 - Credit Union Training and Skills Audit

The Centre for Research into Socially Inclusive Services (CRSIS) at Heriot-Watt University was commissioned by the Scottish Executive to audit training provision and training needs for credit union volunteers in Scotland, to develop a toolkit for credit unions to undertake skills audits for their...
Read more...

28 Sep 04 - Self Employed People in the Informal Economy - Cheats or Contributors?

Community Links and Street UK : Rosalind Copisarow and Aaron Barbour

The report is a grass roots insight into the practical issues that policy makers need to consider, based on the evidence of those currently trading informally, and the wider conclusions and recommendations of two organisations working with people in this situation.

24 Sep 04 - Is Anyone Home? Modelling Scotland’s Affordable Social Rented Housing

A joint report discussing the effects of a shortfall in affordable rented housing. This report details estimates of the future supply of social housing and demand as the result of homelessness.

24 Sep 04 - Understanding, Accepting And Valuing Each Other: Guide to legislation etc. for Voluntary Sector Employers

This publication is a useful resource for organisations who want to ensure that they are complying with the Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2003, and who wish to develop knowledge, policies and practices in this area.

22 Sep 04 - Key Scottish Environment Statistics 2004

Scottish Executive : Scottish Executive

This booklet gives detailed statistics relating to Scotland's environment, with an emphasis on the trends over time wherever possible. The data are supplemented by text providing brief background information on environmental impacts and relevant legislation. There are sections dealing with: Public...
Read more...

22 Sep 04 - The Provision of Housing Advice to Prisoners in Scotland: An Evaluation of the Projects Funded by the Rough Sleepers Initiative

Scottish Executive : Scottish Executive

Evaluates 7 projects funded by the Scottish Executive through the Rough Sleepers Initiative to give advice on housing matters to prisoners. Recommends how these services could be improved.

22 Sep 04 - Rural Scotland - Key Facts 2004

Scottish Executive : Scottish Executive

Rural Scotland is different from the rest of Scotland but there are also differences within rural Scotland, for example between accessible and remote areas. The purpose of this leaflet is to summarise the key facts related to rural Scotland in order to provide a picture of the lives of people its...
Read more...

21 Sep 04 - Volunteering Research Report

Angus Volunteer Centre : Angus Volunteer Centre

The research on which this report is based took place from Sept 03 until June 2004. The overall objective of this study was to explore attitudes towards volunteering, trends and to identify issues pertaining to capacity building for volunteering and volunteer development. The findings assist with...
Read more...

21 Sep 04 - Volunteering Research Report

Volunteer Centre Angus : Volunteer Centre Angus

17 Sep 04 - Sectarianism in Glasgow - Final Report

Glasgow City Council : NFO Social Research

This study was commissioned in 2001 by Glasgow City Council to determine the scale, nature and impact of sectarianism in the city. The research was undertaken in three broad phases and centred on a survey of a representative sample of 1,000 adults in Glasgow. Focus groups were also conducted with...
Read more...

17 Sep 04 - Scottish Refugee Council: Guide to Campaigning

Scottish Refugee Council : Scottish Refugee Council

A guide to lobbying and campaigning

17 Sep 04 - The Use of Mediation to Settle Civil Justice Disputes: A Review of Evidence

There is an increasing desire in many quarters to develop a culture where litigation is the last, rather than first, resort method of addressing civil disputes. Arguments for encouraging the use of mediation are manifold, but reliable information about current usage levels and effectiveness is...
Read more...

06 Sep 04 - "A view from the girls" - exploring violence and violent behaviour

ESRC/University of Glasgow : Burman Michele J; Tisdall Kay M

The aims of this research, carried out in Scotland, were to: - Understand the meaning and function of violence in girls’ lives based on the experiences, views and attitudes of girls themselves. - Challenge some of the traditional thinking about violence which has been derived primarily from...
Read more...

06 Sep 04 - Voluntary Sector Counselling in Scotland: An Overview

This user-friendly report is aimed primarily at non-academic audiences. The research investigates the place of voluntary sector counselling in Scotland by providing an overview of the shape and extent of services, and by exploring the meanings of counselling articulated by those involved in its...
Read more...

06 Sep 04 - Scottish Household Survey (2004 - Quarter 1)

Scottish Executive : Scottish Executive

This is the fifth in a series of quarterly Statistics Publication Notices which announces the availability of the Scottish Household Survey (SHS) for a particular quarter.

06 Sep 04 - Review of the Rural Petrol Stations Grant Scheme - Final Report

Scottish Executive : Steer Davies Gleave

Review of scheme to help rural petrol stations meet environmental and other legislative requirements.

06 Sep 04 - Exclusions from Schools 2002-2003

Scottish Executive : Scottish Executive National Statistics

Survey on exclusions from schools published by the Scottish Executive Education Department. The results relate to the school year 2002/03. Exclusions, in this context, include both temporary exclusions and pupils removed from the register. Most of the data refers to cases of exclusion, which should...
Read more...

06 Sep 04 - Beauty, beast and biodiversity: what does the public want from agriculture?

This report provides information on the relative values placed by the public on the outputs from agriculture, with emphasis on the trade-off between production and non-market goods.

06 Sep 04 - Socio-demographic profile of Midlothian 2003

This article contains Socio-demographic statistics for the Midlothian area for the period up to 2003. It provides a profile of the Midlothian population, highlighting pockets of social exclusion. The Socio-Demographic Profile for Midlothian contains information down to ward level on demographics,...
Read more...

06 Sep 04 - Food Basket Survey Toolkit

Midlothian Social Inclusion Forum : Midlothian Social Inclusion Forum

A Food Basket Survey is research carried out on food cost; food availability; and/or food access. The research is done using a standard “Food Basket” list of basic foods. This Toolkit has been written for use by anybody interested in carrying out a Food Basket Survey.

06 Sep 04 - Food for Thought - Midlothian Community Food Survey 2002 - 2003

Midlothian Social Inclusion Forum/NHS : Midlothian Social Inclusion Forum/NHS

This report follows up previous work carried out in Midlothian in 1999 when a Food Basket Survey was undertaken and a subsequent report produced for the Midlothian Social Inclusion Forum.

02 Sep 04 - Postcards from Home

Barnados : Neera Sharma and Rachel Dowling

Postcards from home looks at the particular issues for families of disabled children during the school summer holidays. At a time when most families are enjoying a holiday away from home and days out, many families with disabled children find there is a lack of affordable, accessible and inclusive...
Read more...

01 Sep 04 - Community Planning - Research Briefing

SPICe : Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe)

This research note outlines the background to and development of the concept of community planning in Scotland between 1995 and 2001. It details the remit of the Scottish Office/CoSLA Community Planning Working Group established in 1997 and reports on the experiences of Scotland's pathfinder...
Read more...

01 Sep 04 - Registered Social Landlords

SPICe : Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe)

This paper outlines the role of the former Scottish Homes in registering and supervising social landlords. With the promotion of different models of social landlord to housing associations by local authorities, Scottish Homes (most of whose functions transferred to Communities Scotland in 2001)...
Read more...

30 Aug 04 - European Structural Funds - Research Briefing

SPICe : Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe)

This Subject Map explains the mechanics of European structural funding and identifies some of the current issues surrounding these funds.

30 Aug 04 - Social Inclusion and the European Union

SPICe : Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe)

This briefing provides an overview of EU action in the policy area of social inclusion. It outlines the EU policy context in relation to social inclusion, describes the EU strategy for combating poverty and social exclusion and promoting social inclusion and identifies recent key developments in...
Read more...

30 Aug 04 - The Impact of Devolution on the Media in Scotland

SPICe : Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe)

The Scottish Affairs Select Committee of the House of Commons recently announced that it is to undertake an inquiry concerning ‘the effects of devolution on news and current affairs broadcasting in Scotland’. This paper summarises the role of this Committee and indicates the likely areas that the...
Read more...

30 Aug 04 - The Development of Rural Policy - Research Briefing

SPICe : Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe)

This paper discusses the development of rural policy between 1996 and 2001. It includes an overview of Scottish and European policies and programmes relevant at the time, and it tackles the matter of community involvement and participation. It discusses the establishment in 1996 of the former...
Read more...

30 Aug 04 - The Voluntary Sector (update) - Research Briefing

SPICe : Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe)

This research note outlines some of the main issues surrounding the voluntary sector in Scotland in 2001. It provides an overview of the infrastructure of the sector at the time and looks at the specific issues of funding, charity law reform, criminal record checks, and volunteering. The note also...
Read more...

30 Aug 04 - Rural Housing Strategies - Research Briefing

SPICe : Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe)

This Briefing Paper outlines the rural housing strategy which was in operation in Scotland at the end of 2002. It discusses housing trends in rural communities and outlines the series of Housing Market Context Statements introduced by Communities Scotland as a consequence of the Housing (Scotland)...
Read more...

30 Aug 04 - Poverty in Scotland - Research Briefing

SPICe : Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe)

This research note considers the definition and measurement of poverty and considers how its scale might be gauged in Scotland. It outlines UK Government and (then) Scottish Executive policies to alleviate poverty, and briefly considers the numerous poverty reduction initiatives in operation...
Read more...

30 Aug 04 - Policy Framework for Tackling Poverty and Social Exclusion in Scotland

SPICe : Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe)

This paper summarises the former Scottish Executive's policy on social inclusion up to 2000. It defines the key concepts involved and briefly examines the development of policy and the approach taken. The work of the Scottish Social Inclusion Network and the key initiative, Social Inclusion...
Read more...

30 Aug 04 - The National Lottery

SPICe : Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe)

This subject map outlined in 2001 the main organisations involved in the running of the National Lottery and their respective roles. Each of the distributing bodies and the grant programmes operating in Scotland at the time are profiled. Some of the key issues surrounding the Lottery including...
Read more...

30 Aug 04 - Measuring Social Exclusion

SPICe : Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe)

This research paper presents a 'scorecard' of indicators of social exclusion in Scotland for 1999. The indicators, covering six dimensions, illustrate the scale and distribution of exclusion and were designed to inform the measurement of progress in reducing it. The paper considers of the value of...
Read more...

30 Aug 04 - Issues for the Voluntary Sector in Scotland - Research Briefing

SPICe : Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe)

This research note outlines some of the main issues surrounding the voluntary sector in Scotland in 2000. It is updated by the SPICe paper 'The Voluntary Sector in Scotland' which was published in 2001. This paper gives an overview of the structure of the sector at the time as well as related...
Read more...

30 Aug 04 - Gypsy Travellers and Public Sector Policies - Research Briefing

SPICe : Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe)

The report of the Equal Opportunities Committee’s “Inquiry into Gypsy Travellers and Public Policies” was published on 27 June 2001. This Research Note summarises the recommendations contained in the report and the (then) Scottish Executive’s response to those recommendations. It also highlights...
Read more...

30 Aug 04 - Employment, Housing and Poverty in Rural Areas - Research Briefing

SPICe : Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe)

This research note, prepared for the Scottish Parliament's Rural Affairs Committee, provides a factual overview of employment trends in rural areas during the 1990s. A series of brief overviews of other social trends including general population dynamics, unemployment, housing, deprivation, and...
Read more...

30 Aug 04 - Credit Unions

SPICe : Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe)

This research note provides brief background information on the establishment of credit unions. The note includes a definition of credit unions, an outline of their benefits and a description of the process of setting one up. Finally some of what are seen as the critical success factors are...
Read more...

30 Aug 04 - Asylum Seekers - Research Briefing

SPICe : Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe)

This research note, written in September 2001, provides a snapshop of the pattern of asylum seeking in the UK and in Scotland around the time of the introduction of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. It notes that whilst immigration remains a reserved issue with responsibility lying with the...
Read more...

30 Aug 04 - Approaches to Tackling Poverty and Social Inclusion - Research Briefing

SPICe : Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe)

This research note outlines strategic approaches taken in some European countries to tackling social exclusion. It covers the policy frameworks, structures and institutional mechanisms established by other countries to tackle social exclusion. In particular, it examines the stages of the process...
Read more...

30 Aug 04 - Passing Time: a report about young people and communities

Institute for Public Policy Research : Laura Edwards & Becky Hatch

This is a report about young people and communities. It explores how young people talk about their community and the activities and support they want to see provided out of school.It starts by focusing on young people in just one neighbourhood and ends by using their experiences to look at how well...
Read more...

30 Aug 04 - Something for Something: A National Youth Action Programme

Institute for Public Policy Research : Kate Stanley

The aim of this paper is to present arguments for how effective and progressive public policy on youth action might be developed. We briefly outline our understanding of civil renewal and recommend that civil renewal could be a strong motivating idea to guide the future development of youth...
Read more...

30 Aug 04 - Lonely Citizens: Report of the Working Party on Active Citizenship

Institute for Public Policy Research : Ben Rogers ed.

This report focuses on active citizenship as civic participation in politics and governance rather than volunteering or acting as a good neighbour. Its argument starts with the claim that while the UK and democracies like ours rely on expert representatives and professional civil institutions to...
Read more...

30 Aug 04 - Adult literacy learners’ difficulties in reading an exploratory study

The project reported here was conducted as part of the research agenda developed by the National Research and Development Centre for Adult Literacy and Numeracy (NRDC), which was established in 2002 as part of the Skills for Lifestrategy of the Department for Education. The main aim of the project...
Read more...

30 Aug 04 - Teaching and learning writing:A Review of Research and Practice

This research is the first phase of a project that aims to identify principles of effective teaching and learning of writing for adult literacy learners. The report presents the findings of three reviews designed to provide a basis for further research.

30 Aug 04 - The Role of Church of Scotland Congregations in Developing Social Capital in Scottish Communities: Enabling and Cohesive or Irrelevant and Divisive?

ESCR - Centre for Neighbourhood Research : Flint, J; Kearns, A.

This paper presents the findings from a national study of Church of Scotland congregations. It assesses the extent to which the activities of congregations contribute to social capital in Scottish communities. The paper identifies the challenges that congregations face in developing such a role and...
Read more...

30 Aug 04 - Public Opinion for Policy? Housing, Neighbourhoods and Communities in Scotland

ESCR Centre for Neighbourhood Research : Ade Kearns and Alison Parkes

This paper is based on an analysis of the Scottish Social Attitudes Survey 2001 (SSAS). This is an annual random sample survey of adults in Scotland conducted by the National Centre for Social Research, comprising around 1,600 interviews and self-completion questionnaires.

30 Aug 04 - A Guide for the Voluntary Sector to Scottish Executive Grants 2004-05 (Information Leaflet)

Scottish Executive : Scottish Executive

This Guide is published as a resource for the Scottish voluntary sector to enable organisations to know how they might apply to the Scottish Executive for funding. It covers the Scottish Executive's direct grant schemes only.

26 Aug 04 - A Guide to the Antisocial Behaviour etc (Scotland) Act 2004

Scottish Executive : Scottish Executive

This guide gives a brief explanation of all 13 parts of the antisocial behaviour etc (Scotland) Act 2004

26 Aug 04 - Prison Statistics Scotland 2003

Scottish Executive : Scottish Executive

This 2003 bulletin on Scottish prison statistics forms part of The Scottish Executive Justice Department series of bulletins on aspects of the criminal justice system. Figures are presented on the average daily population of prisoners and the number of receptions. This information is disaggregated...
Read more...

25 Aug 04 - Futurebuilders Scotland

Scottish Executive : Scottish Executive

Subtitled 'Investing in the Social Economy', this document outlines the Executive's £18 million commitment to the social economy in 2004-05 and 2005-06. Aim: 'to extend and strengthen the role of the social economy sector in delivering better public services whilst encouraging financial...
Read more...

23 Aug 04 - Preventing Suicide and Deliberate Self Harm Laying the Foundations: Identifying Practice Examples

Scottish Executive : Scottish Development Centre for Mental Health

Provides practice examples which contribute to prevention of suicide & DSH, and improvements of mental well-being. Complements SE consultation on Framework for Prevention of Suicide & DSH

23 Aug 04 - Mind the Gaps Meeting the needs of people with co-occurring substance misuse and mental health problems

Scottish Executive : Scottish Advisory Committee on Drug Misuse (SACDM)

SACDM and SACAM agreed in 2002 to commission a Joint Working Group to address the needs of people with co-occurring substance misuse and mental health problems. This report of the Joint Working Group focuses on meeting these needs. The report highlights the need for better promotion and prevention...
Read more...

23 Aug 04 - Inequalities in Health: Report of the Measuring Inequalities in Health Working Group

Scottish Executive : Scottish Executive

This report sets out recommendations made by the Working Group on Measuring Inequalities in Health in Scotland and presents data and trends for the 23 recommended indicators.

23 Aug 04 - Healthy Life Expectancy in Scotland

ISD Scotland : David Clark et al

This report contains the first published estimates of Healthy Life Expectancy in Scotland by : gender, age (at birth and at age 65), deprivation, NHS Board Areas and Local Council Areas.

23 Aug 04 - Fair Enough? Fair For All Progress Report: Analysis of Race Equality Schemes and Fair For All Action Plans

Scottish Executive/NHS Scotland : NHS Scotland

This report was commissioned jointly by the National Resource Centre for Ethnic Minority Health (NRCEMH) and the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE). It is the product of a desk-based analysis of Race Equality Schemes (RES) and Fair for All (FFA) Action Plans produced by Scottish Health Boards...
Read more...

23 Aug 04 - Evaluation of Greater Glasgow Pharmacy Needle Exchange Scheme 1997-2002

Scottish Executive : Effective Interventions Unit Scottish Executive

A summary of a project examining activity levels and client profiles at pharmacy needle exchanges in Greater Glasgow over a six year period.

23 Aug 04 - Examining the injecting practices of injecting drug users in Scotland

Scottish Executive : Avril Taylor et al/University of Paisley

This is a report of research into the injecting practices of injecting drug users in Glasgow. The aim of the study was to examine the injecting practices of Scottish injecting drug users to a degree of detail not previously achieved in the UK. The specific focus was practices that could potentially...
Read more...

23 Aug 04 - Hepatitis C: Risk and Prevention Strategies in Injecting Drug Users

Scottish Executive : Effective Interventions Unit, Scottish Executive

Information on the hepatitis C virus, routes of transmission, the scale of the problem among injecting drug users in Scotland and an overview of possible prevention strategies

23 Aug 04 - Drug consumption rooms

The Beckley Foundation : Marcus Roberts, Axel Klein and Mike Trace

This report examines the use of Drug Consumption Rooms. The defining characteristic of Drug Consumption Rooms (DCRs) is that they are legally sanctioned environments where people can take illegal drugs. Their purpose is to reduce drug-related harms. The underlying assumption is that if problem...
Read more...

23 Aug 04 - Assessing Drug Policy Principles & Practice

The Beckley Foundation : Mike Trace, Marcus Roberts, Axel Klein

This report considers good practice in objective-setting and evaluation; argues that drug policies should be evaluated against their successes and failures in reducing drug-related harm; and assesses the strengths and weaknesses of some existing evaluation frameworks.

23 Aug 04 - Scottish Drug Misuse Statistics Scotland 2001

ISD Scotland : ISD Scotland

This publication presents the latest available information on drug misuse drawing from a wide range of national data sources:national surveys; the Home Office; the Scottish Centre for Infection and Environmental Health; the Crime and Criminal Justice Unit at the Scottish Executive and Information...
Read more...

23 Aug 04 - choose life: A National Strategy to prevent suicide in Scotland

Scottish Executive : Scottish Executive

This strategy and the actions to be taken form a key part of the work of the National Programme to Improve Mental Health and Well-Being. From this programme the Scottish Executive is allocating £12 million over the next three years to directly complement and support national and local actions....
Read more...

23 Aug 04 - Attitudes Towards Alcohol Misuse: Views of the General Public

Between February and June 2001 the Scottish Executive Health Department undertook a consultation exercise to inform the development of its Plan for Action on alcohol problems. As part of this exercise, various pieces of research were commissioned to explore issues around alcohol misuse in Scottish...
Read more...

23 Aug 04 - An Introduction to The Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003

Scottish Executive : Scottish Executive

An introduction to the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) Act 2003. The new Act applies to people with a 'mental disorder'. This term is used to cover mental health problems, personality disorders and learning disabilities. The new Act covers issues like: -when you can be taken into hospital...
Read more...

23 Aug 04 - A Breathe of Fresh Air for Scotland - The challenge Tobacco Control Action Plan

Scottish Executive : Scottish Executive

This paper takes forward the commitments to review national tobacco control policy in conjunction with key interests and to set out a new plan for action which will build on achievements to date. It also takes forward the commitment made within "A Partnership for a Better Scotland" to consult on...
Read more...

23 Aug 04 - Partnership for Care - Scotland's Health White Paper

Scottish Executive : Scottish Executive

This Health White Paper is about the promotion of health in the broadest possible sense and the creation of a health service that is fit for the 21st century. In particular, it sees patients and national standards as key drivers of change in the health service and frontline staff as leaders of the...
Read more...

23 Aug 04 - 'Don't they call it Seamless Care?': A Study of Acute Psychiatric Discharge

Scottish Executive : Lucy Simons, Alison Petch and Richard Caplan

This study explores the experience of acute discharge for 173 individuals who had spent between a week and six months as a psychiatric in-patient. It focuses both on the immediate discharge experience and on the subsequent six months. The experience of service users and informal carers was located...
Read more...

20 Aug 04 - Profitable Exports: Lap Dancing in the UK

In 2002 Glasgow City Council became the first local authority in the UK to systematically oppose license applications for lap-dancing clubs on the grounds that they ‘demean and exploit’ women. This report was commissioned to explore the experiences of women in Glasgow's clubs and support the...
Read more...

20 Aug 04 - A Snapshot of the Voluntary Sector in Glasgow's East End

This snapshot was researched in preparation for the introduction of community planning in Glasgow. It is part of a larger project mapping the capacity and interests of the sector in three areas of the City (east end, Maryhill and Easterhouse).

20 Aug 04 - Care Homes, Scotland - September 2003

Scottish Executive : Scottish Executive

These statistics present national figures for care homes for adults in Scotland. The final figures for the 31st March 2003 are included within this publication. The information is derived from the Scottish Care Home Census which combines two former surveys - 'The Residential Care Homes Census' and...
Read more...

20 Aug 04 - A Profile of Homelessness in Scotland

Scottish Homes : Scottish Homes

This study was commissioned to explore the scope for undertaking more detailed analysis of the data on homeless people in Scotland.

20 Aug 04 - Scottish Compact Baseline Review

Scottish Executive : Keith Hayton/GEN Consulting

The Baseline Review was commissioned from GEN Consulting to develop recommendations for setting up a monitoring and evaluation framework for the Scottish Compact.

19 Aug 04 - A review of the Scottish Executive's Policies to promote the Social Economy

Scottish Executive : Scottish Executive

A review of the work of the Scottish Executive to promote the Social Economy

19 Aug 04 - "Under the Skin" of Community Planning - A report to the Community Planning Taskforce

Scottish Executive : Robert Stevenson

This research was commissioned by the Community Planning Task Force to help it gain a better understanding of the development of Community Planning at a local level. The overall aim of the research was to get "under the skin" of Community Planning by examining a number of key issues.

19 Aug 04 - Deprivation and social exclusion in Argyll and Bute

The aim of this study is to develop an authoritative account of deprivation and social exclusion in Argyll and Bute. It provides robust evidence on the scale of need and its distribution between different places and between different groups. It also examines the causes and consequences of...
Read more...

19 Aug 04 - Refuges for Women, Children and Young People in Scotland

This project was commissioned by the Scottish Executive, working in collaboration with Women's Aid, to investigate women and children's experiences, preferences and priorities in relation to women's refuges; to assess the level and standard of refuge accommodation currently provided by Women's Aid...
Read more...

19 Aug 04 - Scoping Study of Older People in Rural Scotland

This report reviews a wide range of material about older people in rural areas, presenting information around five quality of life themes: income, housing, accessibility, health and social care, and social and community life.

18 Aug 04 - An Evaluation of Existing Very Sheltered Housing Provision across Tayside

Communities Scotland : Communities Scotland

The research focused on the very sheltered housing provision in Tayside and revealed a variation in the quality and type of accommodation available. It suggested that an increased degree of integration between very sheltered and sheltered developments would improve the sense of community and reduce...
Read more...

18 Aug 04 - Preventing Homelessness: the role of housing management

Communities Scotland : Communities Scotland

This report reviews and evaluates current housing management practice in the social rented sector, with a view to revealing tensions and synergies between the efficient and effective delivery of core housing management tasks and the objective of preventing homelessness.

18 Aug 04 - Tackling homelessness in East Ayrshire

Communities Scotland : Communities Scotland

The Housing (Scotland) Act 2001 requires local authorities to develop a corporate strategy, in partnership with other relevant agencies and organisations, to prevent or alleviate homelessness. Against this background, a partnership, involving Communities Scotland, East Ayrshire Council and...
Read more...

18 Aug 04 - Support Infrastructure for the Social Economy

Communities Scotland : Communities Scotland/SCVO

SQW Ltd and the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) were commissioned by Communities Scotland to undertake a review of the support infrastructure of the social economy. The purpose of the review was to provide Communities Scotland, and its partners, with an overview of the social...
Read more...

18 Aug 04 - Establishing a Disabled Persons’ Housing Service in Inverclyde

Communities Scotland : Communities Scotland

In July 2002, Communities Scotland, in partnership with Inverclyde Council and Inverclyde Council on Disability, commissioned a feasibility study into establishing a Disabled Persons’ Housing Service (DPHS) in Inverclyde. This study aimed to examine the demand and service delivery options for a...
Read more...

18 Aug 04 - Review of the Wester Hailes Community Banking Agreement

Communities Scotland : Communities Scotland

The Wester Hailes Community Banking Agreement (WHCBA) is a partnership between the Wester Hailes Representative Council (WHRC) and the Bank of Scotland. The partnership addresses the extreme levels of financial exclusion faced by many residents living in west Edinburgh.This study explores the...
Read more...

18 Aug 04 - Routes into employment for homeless people

Communities Scotland : Communities Scotland

This action research study was commissioned to provide useful information for local authorities in formulating the employment aspects of their homelessness strategies and to provide a developmental opportunity to the agencies involved. The research identifies and describes effective approaches and...
Read more...

18 Aug 04 - Coherent Diversity: towards a picture of inter-disciplinary training for community regeneration and social inclusion in Scotland

Communities Scotland : Communities Scotland

In 2002 Communities Scotland commissioned research to establish an understanding of inter-disciplinary training for regeneration in Scotland. This research follows work undertaken by SURF in recent years to focus on training and development needs amongst regneration practitioners.

18 Aug 04 - Social economy and public sector procurement in Renfrewshire

Communities Scotland : Communities Scotland

This study examined the opportunities to develop the social economy in Renfrewshire through public sector procurement. It included extensive research on specific opportunities across nine agencies and examined their processes, cultures, and willingness to engage with the sector. The study also...
Read more...

18 Aug 04 - The “Horizon Gap”: encouraging entrepreneurship in the social economy in Dunbartonshire

Communities Scotland : Communities Scotland

This research was commissioned to look at 15 social economy organisations in East and West Dunbartonshire interested in market development opportunities. It aimed to identify barriers to social economy organisations accessing these opportunities and to highlight ways in which these organisations...
Read more...

18 Aug 04 - Evaluation of social inclusion partnerships (SIPs)

Communities Scotland : Communities Scotland

This evaluation focuses on practical and operational issues to assist SIPs and community planning partnerships (CPPs) with integration. An overview of this and previous evaluations and of other relevant work is currently underway.

18 Aug 04 - The housing needs and aspirations of black and minority ethnic communities in Angus and Dundee

Communities Scotland : Communities Scotland

Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) households have different housing needs to the population at large in terms of dwelling size, location and tenure. In addition, there are cultural factors that make some support services such as sheltered housing and temporary accommodation less suitable for BME...
Read more...

18 Aug 04 - An assessment of the housing needs and aspirations of Gypsies/Travellers in Tayside

Communities Scotland : School of the Built Environment, Heriot-Watt University

The focus of this study was to explore the extent and nature of any social exclusion experienced by Gypsies/Travellers, with an aim of informing forward planning, strategy and policy development.

18 Aug 04 - Minority ethnic homelessness in Glasgow: experiences of service users

Communities Scotland : Lemos & Crane

This research looks at the experiences of minority ethnic homeless people in Glasgow. The report examines causes of homelessness such as domestic violence, relationship breakdown, forced marriage, and family conflict. It covers such topics as drug and alcohol use, gambling and debt, asylum seekers,...
Read more...

18 Aug 04 - Understanding the dynamics of low demand in owner occupation in east ayrshire and north lanarkshire

Communities Scotland : Craigforth & Newhaven Research

This research explores evidence for, and the dynamics of, low demand in owner-occupied housing in East Ayrshire and North Lanarkshire. The overall aim of the research was to identify to what extent evidence of low demand existed, its characteristics, the reasons for it, its dynamics, and the...
Read more...

18 Aug 04 - Evaluation of Newmilns Townscape Heritage Initiative

Communities Scotland : Communities Scotland

This study was commisssioned by Communities Scotland inpartnership with Newmilns Townscape Heritage Initiative, East Ayrshire Council and Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire to evaluate the success of the Initiative. Its main objective was to assess whether its template/process is a good model for...
Read more...

18 Aug 04 - Mind the gap: evaluation of owner occupation for disabled

Communities Scotland : Communities Scotland

This study examines the market and financial barriers faced when accessing homeownership and critically reviews the current funding mechanisms available to disabled people. The report makes recommendations on how affordability problems faced by disabled people may be overcome, and includes options...
Read more...

18 Aug 04 - Local housing need and affordability model for Scotland

Communities Scotland : Professor Glen Bramley

This report provides an update and refinement of a model designed to estimate housing need and affordability at the local authority level for Scotland, building on previous work for Communities Scotland. The research provides a new set of estimates for 2003 at local authority and housing market...
Read more...

18 Aug 04 - Parents Access to and Demand for Childcare in Scotland

Scottish Executive : NFO Social Research/DTZ Pieda

This report presents the findings of a study of demand for and access to childcare among parents of children aged 0-14 years across Scotland. The study was carried out by NFO Social Research and DTZ Pieda on behalf of the Scottish Executive, and was undertaken between September 2003 and March 2004.

18 Aug 04 - Making a Difference - Community Planning A Year On

Scottish Executive : Scottish Executive

The Community Planning Implementation Group was established in April 2003 for 12 months to take forward the main recommendations of the Community Planning Task Force (CPTF). It had 11 members drawn from a selection of key agencies involved in the Community Planning process, including those with...
Read more...

18 Aug 04 - Black and Minority Ethnic Communities and Homelessness in Scotland

The final report of the Homelessness Task Force had identified the need to gain a deeper understanding of the experiences of homeless people in BME communities in Scotland. To address this, the Scottish Executive Development Department commissioned new research to examine the provision and use of...
Read more...

18 Aug 04 - Public Attitudes to the Environment in Scotland 2002

Scottish Executive : Scottish Executive

This survey was designed to provide data on the environmental knowledge, actions and attitudes of a sample of the Scottish population. It is also intended as a baseline for comparative and monitoring purposes against future surveys, and to allow analysis of the data collected by a number of key...
Read more...

18 Aug 04 - Scottish House Condition Survey

Scottish Executive : Scottish Executive

The SHCS is the largest single housing research project in Scotland, and the only national survey to look at the physical condition of Scotland's homes as well as the experiences of householders.

18 Aug 04 - Scottish Crime Survey 2000

Scottish Executive : Scottish Executive

The Scottish Crime Survey provides an index of crime in Scotland which complements the official police recorded crime statistics by estimating the extent of crimes which are experienced by people, whether or not they are reported to or recorded by the police. This report presents the main findings...
Read more...

18 Aug 04 - The Scottish Health Survey 1998

Scottish Executive : Scottish Executive

The Scottish Health Survey provides reliable information on the health and health-related behaviours of people living in private households. Among the Survey's aims are to estimate the prevalence of a range of health conditions and to monitor progress towards Scottish health and dietary targets.

17 Aug 04 - Social Focus on Disability 2004

Scottish Executive : Scottish Executive

This Social Focus publication is the fourth in a series of social statistics publications and explores the characteristics and position of disabled people in Scotland. The publication follows from the 2003 European Year of Disabled People and also contributes to the Scottish Executive's commitment...
Read more...

17 Aug 04 - Scottish Household Survey - Questionnaire April 2003 to December 2004

Scottish Executive : Steven Hope

The Scottish Household Survey (SHS) is a major cross-sectional survey that was first commissioned by the Scottish Executive in 1998 to provide reliable and up-to-date information on the composition, characteristics and behaviour of Scottish households, both nationally and at a sub-national...
Read more...

17 Aug 04 - Scottish Household Survey Fieldwork Outcomes

Scottish Executive : Steven Hope

17 Aug 04 - Scottish Household Survey: Methodology 2003/2004

Scottish Executive : Steven Hope

17 Aug 04 - A literature review of the evidence base for culture, the arts and sports policy

Scottish Executive : Janet Ruiz

This review of the social and economic impacts of culture, the arts and sport provides an overview and compendium of robust research evidence, both national and international, in these fields. It creates a coherent social research evidence base to inform Scottish policy development and future...
Read more...

17 Aug 04 - Including LGBT Young People

LGBT Youth Scotland : LGBT Youth Scotland

This report describes the national development work which LGBT Youth Scotland has undertaken with funding from the Scottish Executive and NHS Health Scotland. It outlines the processes used by LGBT Youth- - in engaging with LGBT young people - providing a safe environment - developing a...
Read more...

17 Aug 04 - Findings from the second Glasgow Panel Survey

MORI Scotland : MORI Scotland

MORI Scotland was been commission by Glasgow City Council to conduct a series of four large scale residents surveys over two years. The second survey in the series was completed in April 2004 and covered a range of topics including knowledge of the Council, Evaluations of the Council Tax service,...
Read more...

12 Aug 04 - Walk the Talk: Policy Mapping Health and Young People

YouthLink Scotland : YouthLink Scotland

YouthLink Scotland, in collaboration with Fast Forward Positive Lifestyles, undertook a study which mapped the development of Scottish Executive policies in relation to young people's health during the first term of the Scottish Parliament.

12 Aug 04 - Social Focus on Disability 2004

Scottish Executive : Scottish Executive

12 Aug 04 - Long-term Consequences of Teenage Births for Parents and their Children

Institute for Social and Economic Research : Tim Futing Liao

The first of the Teenage Pregnancy Research Programme projects has now reached its conclusion. A team at the Institute for Social and Economic Research (ISER) led by Professor John Ermisch has explored in depth the question of 'What are the longer-term consequences of having a child as a...
Read more...

12 Aug 04 - Young People's Perceptions of Contraception and Seeking Contraceptive Advice

Department of Health : Counterpoint Research

In June 1999, the Social Exclusion Unit report on Teenage Pregnancy set a target of halving the rate of conception amongst under 18 year olds in England by 2010. The aim of this research is to provide information relating to young people's perceptions of using and obtaining the range of...
Read more...

12 Aug 04 - The links between begging, rough sleeping and The Big Issue in Glasgow and Edinburgh

Begging is one of the most apparent symbols of social exclusion in modern British society, but has been little researched. This study explored the links between begging, rough sleeping and Big Issue vending in Glasgow and Edinburgh city centres.

12 Aug 04 - Accommodation for older people with mental health problems

Age Concern Scotland : Angela Adams and David Wilson

A significant number of older people have a serious mental health problem which is not a form of dementia related to their age. Many are accommodated in long-stay psychiatric wards and homeless persons hostels. An exploratory study based in Edinburgh finds that few community care plans consider the...
Read more...

12 Aug 04 - Young people in rural Scotland: Pathways to social inclusion and exclusion

YPS in association with JRF : Stephen Pavis, Stephen Platt and Gill Hubbard

Very little has been recorded about the lives of young people from rural areas or what helps or hinders them in moving from childhood to adulthood. This report documents the experiences of young people from two quite different rural areas in Scotland. Including much first-hand evidence of young...
Read more...

12 Aug 04 - Why do Black women organise? A comparative analysis of black women’s voluntary sector organisations in Britain and their relationship to the state

An exploration of the needs, types and structures of black women’s organisations and of their relationship with the statutory sector. A summary of the report is available at the below link; alternatively the full report may be purchased in book form from Central Books, London.

12 Aug 04 - Unaddressed: The housing aspirations of young disabled people in Scotland

Joseph Rowntree Foundation : Jo Dean

An examination of young disabled people’s views and experiences of getting a home of their own.

12 Aug 04 - Monitoring poverty and social exclusion 2003

Joseph Rowntree Foundation : Guy Palmer, Jenny North, Jane Carr and Peter Kenway

Now in its sixth edition, this annual report assesses progress in tackling poverty and social exclusion, presenting the latest data in 50 indicators covering income poverty, health, education, work, housing and crime.

12 Aug 04 - Legal remedies for neighbour nuisance: Comparing Scottish and English approaches

YPS in association with JRF : Caroline Hunter and Tom Mullen with Suzie Scott

This study reviews the legal remedies for neighbour nuisance in social housing in Scotland and England. It establishes what processes can be used; identifies the advantages and disadvantages of existing remedies; outlines alternatives to court action and evaluates the latest proposals developed by...
Read more...

12 Aug 04 - Contract or trust? The role of compacts in local governance

Based on 12 detailed case studies in England, Scotland and Wales, the report describes the development of compacts, highlights some of the major barriers to effective partnership working, and offers key lessons from their development to date and guidance for those wishing to engage in their...
Read more...

12 Aug 04 - Community involvement in rural regeneration partnerships in the UK: Evidence from England, Northern Ireland and Scotland

An exploration of how regeneration partnerships work within the rural context. To date much research on community involvement in public-private partnerships for local development and regeneration has focused on urban areas. This report explores how such involvement works in rural communities, how...
Read more...

12 Aug 04 - Caring communities: A challenge for social inclusion

YPS in association with JRF : Alan Barr, Carolyn Stenhouse and Paul Henderson

Care service users and carers are frequently amongst the most excluded members of communities. This action-research study draws on four-pilot initiatives in Scotland aiming to reverse this trend. The projects were all local partnerships involving user and community organisations, statutory and...
Read more...

12 Aug 04 - Experiences of lone and partnered working mothers in Scotland

A range of government policies have been promoting paid work for mothers whilst continuing to emphasise traditional family values and parenting skills. Qualitative research by a team at Edinburgh University examined the everyday experiences of combining parenting and paid work of 15 partnered and...
Read more...

12 Aug 04 - Caring and providing: Lone and partnered working mothers in Scotland

Drawing on in-depth interviews with 30 women (15 single, 15 partnered) working in non-professional and non-managerial occupations and with children at primary school, this small-scale, qualitative study explores the views and experiences of working mothers. The authors set the women’s accounts of...
Read more...

12 Aug 04 - Young disabled people moving into adulthood in Scotland

Joseph Rowntree Foundation : Kirsten Stalker

This Foundations reviews the situation in Scotland which, increasingly, has its own distinct legal and policy framework. A few, but not many, Scottish studies have explored young disabled people’s transition to adulthood: not surprisingly, these indicate that young people’s aspirations and...
Read more...

12 Aug 04 - Monitoring poverty and social exclusion in Scotland - Report

Using the latest available data, a report by the New Policy Institute contains an independent selection of indicators, maps and commentary that together present a picture of poverty, inequality and social exclusion in Scotland.

12 Aug 04 - Monitoring Poverty and Social Exclusion - Website

This site monitors what is happening to poverty and social exclusion in the UK and complements the annual monitoring reports. The material is organised around 50 statistical indicators covering all aspects of the subject, from income and work to health and education. The website includes...
Read more...

12 Aug 04 - Supporting disabled children and their families in Scotland: A review of policy and research

Joseph Rowntree Foundation : Kirsten Stalker

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation has been supporting research about disabled children and their families for a number of years. An earlier Foundations covering the messages from these projects has already been published. This Foundations places the messages from that work into the Scottish context....
Read more...

12 Aug 04 - Local Government in Scotland after Devolution: the Lessons from Canada

University of Windsor : John B. Sutcliffe

The creation of the Scottish Parliament and Scottish Executive in 1999 has had a dramatic impact on many features of political life in Scotland. Local government is one element of the political landscape affected by this change. In the pre-devolution period, local government’s structure,...
Read more...

12 Aug 04 - An Ethical Code for Researching 'Race', Racism & Anti-racism in Scotland

SABRE : SABRE

The code is intended to contribute to the developing discourse on anti-racist research and to promote good practice, in the light of the implementation of the recent Amendment Bill to the Race Relations Act (2000). The Code is aimed at a wide audience of individuals and organisations who are...
Read more...

12 Aug 04 - Gender equality and lifelong learning in Scotland - Research findings

Equal Opportunities Commission : Equal Opportunities Commission

An examination of the barriers preventing women and men from participating in lifelong learning in Scotland. Eight page Research findings. To view this document please click on "download".

11 Aug 04 - Tendering for Public Sector Contracts: A Practical Guide for Social Economy Organisations in Scotland

Scottish Executive : Scottish Executive

Social economy organisations can often add significant value to the delivery of public services and yet, only a tiny fraction of public sector contracts are won by the social economy. This guide supports the social economy break into this untapped market. Designed as a practical reference tool...
Read more...

11 Aug 04 - Alcohol & Young People Vol 1 – A Study into the Relationship to Alcohol of 12 to 14 year-olds in the West of Scotland

Community Learning Scotland : Jim Seddon & Clive Rowlands

Part of a comparative joint study with the Noordelijke Hogeschool in the Netherlands, this report provides both qualitative and quantitative information about the drinking behaviour and attitudes of young people.

11 Aug 04 - Connect Youth – The First Spark

Connect Youth : Connect Youth

The history of Connect Youth – the national youth voice in Scotland. Looks at the first beginnings and progression towards the successful establishment of the Scottish Youth Parliament.

11 Aug 04 - Community Education: Active Citizenship Through Values Education in Youth Work

Community Learning Scotland : Alex Downie

This report reviews the resource material developed and used by youth workers to promote active citizenship and values education. It provides guidelines on how youth workers can develop a strategy to support active citizenship by young people through values education.

11 Aug 04 - Breaking the Chain – Men Working with Young Boys in Trouble

Community Learning Scotland : Raymy Boyle and Kenny Curtis

A report on the pioneering work in the early 90’s of the Pilton Youth Programme in the development of their project work with boys. An excellent insight into the gender differences that affect young people in society in general.

11 Aug 04 - Review of Green Belt Policy in Scotland

This Report provides a review of Green Belt policy in Scotland, based on a research project carried out for the Scottish Executive Development Department. The research was of relatively short duration (September 2003-March 2004) but provided an opportunity for a concentrated look at the concept,...
Read more...

10 Aug 04 - Struggle to Survive

Women's Aid : Women's Aid

This report focuses on the provision of services for women experiencing domestic violence and who also have mental health or drug/alcohol issues. It identifies some of the gaps in existing services, and highlights the resources needed to improve services in future. The full report may be...
Read more...

10 Aug 04 - Change Up: Capacity Building and Infrastructure Framework for the Voluntary and Community Sector

Home Office : Active Community Unit/Home Office

ChangeUp was developed in conjunction with the UK voluntary sector. ChangeUp's aim is that by 2014 the needs of frontline voluntary and community organisations will be met by support which is available nationwide, structured for maximum efficiency, offering excellent provision, accessible to all,...
Read more...

10 Aug 04 - Tackling Mental Health Issues through Enterprise

DTI : Mind/Social Firms UK

This study looks at the service landscape for people with mental health problems wishing to gain employment. Using case studies, the report provides a qualitative insight into the challenges and barriers facing organisations providing enterprise and employment opportunities for people with mental...
Read more...

04 Aug 04 - Staff pay & conditions: Report of a survey of voluntary sector community care service providers

Community Care Providers Scotland : Community Care Providers Scotland

Presents and discusses the findings of a survey of staff pay and conditions in 24 of Scotland’s major national voluntary sector service providers

04 Aug 04 - Defining and measuring quality in the context of community care and Best Value

Community Care Providers Scotland : Robert Farquharson

Summary of a research study of providers' and local authorities' perspectives on how the 'quality' of a care service can be measured. Includes a summary of the key findings, information on the policy background, information about the study itself. The document concludes that there is no common...
Read more...

04 Aug 04 - Community Care And The Voluntary Sector: Workforce Report 2004

Community Care Providers Scotland : Community Care Providers Scotland

Based on a survey of 27 major providers in the voluntary sector, this report sets out key findings and issues from the survey, including statistics on the workforce profile of the sector and issues relating to recruitment and retention, workforce planning, pay and conditions and training and...
Read more...

29 Jul 04 - Food Poverty in the School Holidays

Barnados : Owen Gill and Neera Sharma

This new report shows that families living on income support are struggling to feed their children nutritious meals in the school holidays. One of the key reasons for this was the absence of free school meals during school holidays. The report is based on interviews with parents in the South West...
Read more...

29 Jul 04 - Chose not lose the Right to Work

Age Concern : Age Concern

This report sets out the case for scrapping mandatory retirement ages. It argues that older people should have the right to work if they are willing and able. Ending mandatory retirement ages is the lynch-pin of effective age discrimination legislation. Unless MRAs are abolished, the new law will...
Read more...

29 Jul 04 - Refugees: Renewing the Vision

The Refugee Council (and partners) : Richard Williams

This paper, developed by the Refugee Council in partnership with leading refugee and human rights agencies, attempts to set out a positive, alternative agenda for improving the asylum system in Europe and in so doing provides a starting point for debate. It begins by establishing some key...
Read more...

28 Jul 04 - Futureskills 2003 - A Skills Foresight Research Report on the Voluntary Sector Paid Worforce

Futureskills : Futureskills

Futureskills 2003 gives a clear picture of the skills requirements for paid staff within the voluntary sector. This in-depth research project was commissioned by the Voluntary Sector National Training Organisation (VSNTO) to highlight the skills that employers consider to be of top priority both...
Read more...

28 Jul 04 - With Health in Mind

Scottish Mental Health Alliance : Scottish Mental Health Alliance

'With Health In Mind' and the process of discussion that follows from its publication are designed to aid further reflection and debate on the meaning and importance of mental health and wellbeing in society. A major intended outcome is the development of a shared understanding among a wide range...
Read more...

28 Jul 04 - Improving the sexual health of men in Scotland: report of an expert seminar

Health Education Board for Scotland : Health Education Board for Scotland

A report based on presentation made at an expert seminar on Men and Sexual Health, which was prompted by the public commitment of the Scottish Executive to publish a strategy for sexual health in Scotland and a keenness to feed into the thinking for this strategy. The report explores four main...
Read more...

28 Jul 04 - Sport and Ethnic Minority Communities: Aiming at Social Inclusion

Sport Scotland : Scott Porter

This study explores the issues and barriers to sports participation by minority ethnic communities. It identifies different attitudinal types and how barriers can affect their likelihood of taking part in sport, and explores the barriers in terms of a process of behavioural change from no interest...
Read more...

28 Jul 04 - Sport and People with a Disability: Aiming at Social Inclusion

Sport Scotland : Scott Porter

This study explores the issues and barriers to sports participation by people with a disability. It identifies different attitudinal types and how barriers can affect their likelihood of taking part in sport, and explores the barriers in terms of a process of behavioural change from no interest...
Read more...

28 Jul 04 - A Survey of Local Authority Expenditure on Sport in Scotland

Sport Scotland : David C Watt

This research was undertaken to ascertain the spending on sport each year by local authorities in Scotland. The development of progressive plans for sport locally and nationally – including the national strategy, Sport 21 – requires accurate financial information.

28 Jul 04 - Scottish House Condition Survey

Communities Scotland : Communities Scotland

Weblink to the Scottish House Condition Survey - The SHCS is the largest single housing research project in Scotland, and the only national survey to look at the physical condition of Scotland's homes as well as the experiences of householders

28 Jul 04 - Arran Housing Market Study

Scottish Homes : Scottish Homes

Scottish Homes and North Ayrshire Council commissioned a study of the housing market on Arran to provide an update of the housing market system, analyse the impact of public sector investment since 1990 and identify existing and emerging supply and demand imbalances so as to inform future joint...
Read more...

28 Jul 04 - Homelessness in Rural Scotland

Scottish Homes : Scottish Homes

Although there has been substantial research carried out on homelessness in the UK, this has largely focused on urban areas where there are the largest concentrations of homeless households. As there were concerns that this work did not translate directly to rural areas, Scottish Homes, in...
Read more...

28 Jul 04 - 'Help Me Out, Let Me In': Reprovisioning, Resettlement and the Scope for Social Inclusion in Scotland

Scottish Homes : Scottish Homes

There is a growing number of people in Scotland who have been resettled in community settings following substantial periods in long-stay hospitals. As interest in the extent to which the resettlement process can be considered to have promoted social inclusion led Scottish Homes to commission this...
Read more...

28 Jul 04 - Community Lettings Schemes in Rural Areas

Scottish Homes : Scottish Homes

Until recently the emphasis of standards and best practice guidance to housing organisations has promoted allocation to those in the greatest housing need. Positions are now shifting from purely needs based allocation systems towards objectives aiming to meet individual needs and achieve 'balanced'...
Read more...

28 Jul 04 - Developing a Framework for the Provision of Care in the Community and Related Housing Services to Black and Minority Ethnic Communities in Glasgow

Scottish Homes : Scottish Homes

Scottish Homes, members of the Glasgow Community Care Joint Strategy Group and Key Housing Association commissioned this research to inform the development of a framework and action plan for improving service design and access to community care services for four priority client groups from minority...
Read more...

28 Jul 04 - Tenure Mix and Neighbourhood Regeneration

Scottish Homes : Scottish Homes

Introducing owner occupation has been a key facet of regeneration strategies over the past dacade and it has emerged as a significant mechanism to reverse the residulisation that has taken place in some neighbourhoods with large concentrations of social rented housing. This research was undertaken...
Read more...

28 Jul 04 - Community Regeneration in Scotland: Issues for Registered Social Landlords

Scottish Homes : Scottish Homes

The need to achieve social inclusion by sustainable community regeneration based on participation of local communities is now widely recognised although it is argued that many regeneration activities do not become sustainable because they have not fostered community level organisational...
Read more...

28 Jul 04 - Young People at Risk of Homelessness: Routes to Information

Scottish Homes : Scottish Homes

This study was commissioned in April 2000 to explore whether it is possible to develop a methodology to assist local authorities to assess the proportion of young people likely to experience homelessness in the future. The research has demonstrated not only the value of such information but also...
Read more...

28 Jul 04 - Sustaining Young Persons' Tenancies in the Social Rented Sector in South Clyde

Scottish Homes : Scottish Homes

This research was commissioned because of rising concerns about the high rate of tenancy failure amongst young people in the area. The research will inform the further development of strategy in each of three council areas and across local authority boundaries.

28 Jul 04 - Identifying Community Needs and Resources: Community Appraisals in the Highlands and Islands

Scottish Homes : Scottish Homes

Community Appraisals are initiatives which have had an active involvement from communities in identifying their needs - and in suggesting how these needs may be met. This research looked at appraisals which have been carried out in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland since 1990, identifying their...
Read more...

28 Jul 04 - Lessons for Community Capacity Building

Scottish Homes : Scottish Homes

This is the seventh in our series of research reviews which draw on existing research evidence on key policy areas. The report identifies examples of good practice and includes an assessment of capacity building activities linked to regeneration.