Our Projects
What are we working on?
A Research Engagement Framework for Somerset
Research into health and social care has the potential to benefit everyone. However, for a number of reasons, some groups do not take part in research projects. In Somerset, a Research Engagement Network has been formed to understand why some people and communities are underserved by research that could make their lives better. We designed a framework to help all the partners and stakeholders – including individual researchers, the voluntary sector, communities, and those working across the health and care system – to embed, support, promote, enhance, and contribute to research engagement in Somerset.
Would your organisation benefit from similar insights?
To find out more about what we do and our discretionary rates for voluntary sector organisations, get in touch here.
Shared Prosperity Fund evaluation
Spark Somerset is the main infrastructure organisation in the county providing support to the VCFSE sector. In 2024, Spark was awarded funding from the Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) for a range of activities designed to enhance the sector and amplify its voice in the system. We evaluated these activities, which include amongst other things the creation of an Insights Hub, a skills sharing platform, and leadership training. We also thought through how these activities can be sustained after SPF funding has ended, and how future projects can be evaluated.
Spark Somerset State of the Sector Report, October 2024
We worked with Spark to produce a suite of linked reports based on data from an online survey, one-to-one interviews, group discussions and a comprehensive desk-based review. The main State of the Sector report highlights the need for financial stability, strategic planning and strong relationships with the public sector to support a thriving resilient VCFSE. Alongside the full report, we also wrote a review of the national picture, as well as an opinion piece which tackles the key question: collaboration between the VCFSE and public sector in Somerset: challenge or opportunity? Together, our reports provide an important snapshot of the issues facing the voluntary sector. These include the cost of living crisis, demand, volunteer recruitment, working in partnership and funding. We also celebrated the many achievements of VCFSE organisations, large and small, in Somerset.