Repository
A curated and searchable collection of community-related research reports, case studies and publications from the Institute for Community Studies and other organisations.
Smaller charities, SORP and issues of financial accounting and reporting
Published: 2021
This research is concerned with the use and impact of the Charities SORP on smaller charities across the three jurisdictions of the UK (England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland). The report is structured around eight core research questions, with the findings from each research method synthesised to produce answers to these questi…
Now they see us: Communities responding to COVID-19
Published: 2021
The study is based on primary data collection from 26 communities across England and a literature review. Over 500 learning conversations have taken place with members of the community, activists and workers, alongside interviews with Big Local reps (individuals appointed by Local Trust to offer tailored support to a Big Local area and sha…
Homes In Community Hands – Year 2 Evaluation Report
Published: 2021
Power to Change’s Homes in Community Hands (HCH) programme provided grants to help build and refurbish affordable housing. Specifically, the programme supported the development of community-led housing (CLH) in England where – between 2019 and 2021 – up to £5.8 million in funding was made available. These funds have been predominantly target…
Community business infrastructure: A literature review
Published: 2021
Power to Change commissioned this work by Rob MacMillan at Centre for Regional Economic Social Research (CRESR) at Sheffield Hallam University. The literature review assesses the evidence base on the role and value of support for community businesses, and aims to assist Power to Change in understanding the importance of existing infrastruc…
“Why don’t they ask us?” The role of communities in levelling up
Published: 2021
This report by the Institute for Community Studies reveals that current approaches to regeneration and economic transformation are not working for the majority of local communities and their economies.
Its key findings are that:
Interventions have consistently failed to address the most deprived communities, contributing to a 0%…
‘Good work’ and community business: Identifying pathways to good practice during Covid-19 and beyond
Published: 2021
This report examines what good work means in challenging times, with a focus on how community businesses are able to provide work which is fair, decent and rewarding within diverse and often challenging operational contexts. The research involved a review and further analysis of existing data sources, in-depth interviews with employees, vo…
Windmill Hill City Farm
Published: 2021
Windmill Hill City Farm was founded more than 40 years ago as the first city farm outside London. It aims to promote environmental education and addresses disadvantage by providing a green, recreational space in the heart of Bristol. The organisation has grown over time and now provides a children’s nursery, wellbeing- related activities with…
The role of volunteers in community businesses
Published: 2021
This study examined the structure and role of voluntary labour for community businesses. Four chapters discuss the profile and working patterns of volunteers, how volunteers are recruited and employed, how volunteers’ skills are utilised, factors covering their training and professional development and the wider motivations to volunteer.
The impacts of social infrastructure investment
Published: 2021
Social infrastructure can play an important role in supporting the levelling-up agenda in local areas. It creates institutions and physical spaces that foster personal relationships, civic engagement and social networks, leading to more cohesive and healthier societies.
Frontier Economics was commissioned by Local Trust to bring together exist…
Pathways to good work: toolkit for community organisations
Published: 2021
Work that is decent and fair is crucial to creating a motivated and skilled workforce that is empowered to deliver high quality services and to innovate. Community organisations are already delivering on many aspects of good work. This toolkit is designed to help organisations understand what good work is and improve existing practices by focus…
Likewise
Published: 2021
Likewise has a 30-year history of working alongside people from all backgrounds and circumstances to support community wellbeing and help individuals navigate life. Likewise provides support and care to those living with mental ill-health, social isolation and homelessness. It is constantly working on building an inclusive community that is abo…
Halifax Opportunities Trust
Published: 2021
The aims of Halifax Opportunities Trust (HOT) span from relieving poverty and unemployment to promoting community safety and improving health and wellbeing. They are practically addressed by services which help people to find new or better jobs, learn new skills, start or grow businesses and help raise their families.