Trust Launches Independence Research Tender
As part of its work in Creative Space for Civic Thinking, the Building Change Trust is seeking proposals from experienced organisations for a programme of research on the state of the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) Sector’s independence in Northern Ireland.
The research, which will be designed to produce a deeper insight and more rigorous evidence base on the topic, will be carried out over a period of 24 months.
An initial piece of research commissioned by the Trust in 2012 highlighted a number of perceived threats to the VCSE sector’s independence. Following the publication of this research, the Trust has engaged stakeholders from within the VCSE sector in discussion and debate about how best to address this situation.
The overall purpose of the newly launched research programme is to enable the VCSE sector in Northern Ireland to better understand, measure and analyse the state of its independence of purpose, voice and action, as well as compare changes over time.
On completion of the research, the Trust anticipates the publication of two ‘State of VCSE Independence in Northern Ireland’ reports – one for the year 2015 and one for 2016.
A simple toolkit, derived from the indictors used in the research, will also be published and a series of six seminars will take place across the region, organised by the Trust, at which the research and toolkit will be presented.
The proposed project leader must demonstrate, using specific examples of work completed within the last five years, previous relevant experience of at least two out of the following three:
- Research relating to the VCSE sector
- Research adopting a participatory approach such as Participatory Action Research, or similar
- Research relating to the functionality of democracy and/or political institutions
All other individuals involved in the project must demonstrate experience of at least one of the above three, completed within the last 5 years.
To request a tender pack please e-mail info@buildingchangetrust.org quoting ‘Independence Research’ in the subject line.
The closing date for the submission of completed tenders is: 4pm on Friday 12th September 2014.
Click here for more information on the Trust's work in Creative Space for Civic Thinking.
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