TSRC University of Birmingham – Centre base, Pete Alcock, Director University of Southampton – John Mohan, Deputy Director University of Kent – Jeremy Kendall Middlesex University – Fergus Lyon (Social Enterprise)

Research Programmes Evidence base Theoretical and policy context Mapping and measuring Impact

Theory and Policy Theoretical and conceptual analysis  Third Sector?  Civil Society  Social enterprise? Policy context  Policy agenda  Practice impact

Mapping and Measuring Quantitative database (Southampton)  Charity Commission etc; archiving old data  ONS Qualitative database (Birmingham)  In depth sample (Real Times) Longitudinal analysis

Impact Service delivery  Economic and social ‘value’  Procurement and commissioning  Organisational experience Engagement  ‘Below the radar’  Community empowerment

Engagement Working with Stakeholders in policy and practice (reference groups, governance structure) Centre events  Seminars and conferences  Visiting fellowships  Training and support

Big society – big questions What is the Third Sector ? How can we measure scale, impact and value ? Can we predict outcomes or impacts ? Can we be sure to capture all (“Below radar”)? What is the role for government policy ?

Long Term Goals Robust databases for the sector Longitudinal analysis of trends Analysis of impact and engagement Enhanced capacity for research Sustainability – A permanent UK research centre