Evidence sought to inform research project on local civil society infrastructure
Melanie May | 22 January 2024 | News
A call for evidence has been issued to inform year-long research on local civil society infrastructure (LCSI).
The research project is being conducted by Pro Bono Economics (PBE), in partnership with Ipsos UK and the Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research (CRESR) at Sheffield Hallam University. It is supported by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and follows calls by PBE for a “root and branch review” of LCSI, as part of the Law Family Commission on Civil Society.
LCSI explained
LCSI consists of place-based organisations including Councils for Voluntary Service (CVSs), Volunteer Centres and Community Foundations, and supports and promotes CSOs by providing advice, guidance and development training; promoting collaboration; providing sector leadership locally, and/or helping to promote volunteering.
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Recent research by 360Giving shows a decline in spending on LCSI.
How to respond to the call for evidence
The call for evidence is an opportunity for anyone with evidence, insight or knowledge of LCSI to submit literature or evidence they feel is relevant to the four research questions:
- Which organisations make up local civil society infrastructure in England, and what do they do?
- How can we measure whether there is sufficient coverage and quality of local civil society infrastructure in local areas in England?
- What is the impact of local civil society infrastructure in England, who benefits from it and what are the consequences and costs where it is absent or fragile?
- What are the most effective ways of strengthening and improving local civil society infrastructure?
Evidence can be submitted via the PBE website. The deadline is Friday 26 January.
Jack Larkham, Senior Research and Policy Analyst at PBE, said:
“Having called for a ‘root and branch review’ of local civil society infrastructure as part of the Law Family Commission on Civil Society, we are delighted to be partnering with Ipsos and CRESR to deliver this vital and timely research and are grateful to DCMS for their support.
“This call for evidence provides the opportunity for anyone with research or insight into local civil society infrastructure in England to contribute to this important work and will help to ensure that the diversity and complexity of this subject matter is properly explored. Thank you in advance to anyone who takes the time to contribute.”
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About Melanie May
Melanie May is a journalist and copywriter specialising in writing both for and about the charity and marketing services sectors since 2001. She can be reached via thepurplepim.com.