Office of the Third Sector Homepage

Main navigation

Your views sought on new third sector research centre

30 October 2007

The Office of the Third Sector wants to hear your views on a new, independent third sector research centre which it is creating with partners including the Economic and Social Research Council. Your views will inform the wider scoping exercise being conducted by Professor Ian Stone of Durham University.

The research centre will gather and commission evidence about the scale and scope of the third sector and the particular contribution the sector makes to society.

The centre is being set up in response to concerns that the social and economic benefit of the sector is not always well established or understood.

The process of setting up the centre is in its early stages, but the third sector review has set out the broad nature of the centre and its objectives and activities.

The Office of the Third Sector has appointed Professor Ian Stone of Durham University to conduct more detailed work to refine the remit of the centre.

We would like to hear your views on the following issues:

• What should be the priorities for the centre's research programme?
• How can the centre support the transfer of knowledge to and from the sector, without losing its research focus or being seen as a 'promotional' body?
• From your own perspective, how can the centre engage third sector organisations?
• What else should we know as we establish the centre?

Your views on these issues will be used to inform a call for proposals for the centre.

• Have your say on the third sector research centre

The deadline for any comments is 19 November 2007.