New Economics Foundation leading on research into the distinctiveness of by-and-for organisations
Find out more about our new research partner and how they are approaching the first phase of this project.
24 July 2024
Over the spring we ran a highly competitive tendering process to find the right researcher/s to explore the characteristics and distinctiveness of by-and-for organisations and help bring the findings to light in the public eye. Nearly a year on from when we first shared our plans to carry out this research, we are delighted to announce that New Economics Foundation (NEF) were the successful bidder and have promptly made a start on the work.
NEF’s understanding of the small, local and community context in England and Wales, along with their experience of delivering robust participatory research with community organisations and directly influencing change at national and regional levels makes them ideally placed to take this work forward. Their work in Manchester on the Living Income and nationally on Homes For Us, which includes the Big Power for Little London campaign, directly equips local groups with co-commissioned research and evidence to build their influence with funders and elected officials.
At the core of NEF’s work is the belief that people directly affected by issues should be at the forefront of action for change. To do that we use our privileged position, both in terms of infrastructure and resources, and our access to influential policymakers and politicians, to collectively build power. We are delighted to be working with Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales and research partners to understand more about the particularities of by-and-for organisations and the critical role they play.
– Frances Northrop, Head of Community Economic Power at NEF
We’re delighted to have NEF on board for this research project – interest and recognition of this diverse and vital part of the voluntary sector has been growing and we are excited to build on the existing knowledge. We want to help local and national change makers see the value and distinctiveness of these amazing organisations across England and Wales.
– Alex Van Vliet, Research and Learning Manager at Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales
Developing definitions and setting the scene
During the first phase of the project NEF will; review relevant materials from across the sector, recruit peer researchers, and recruit interviewees from by-and-for organisations, funders and infrastructure organisations to help develop a working Typology which will include a range of definitions of by-and-for organisations.
Towards the end of this phase, NEF, the project funders and the Advisory Group will come together for a reflective learning session to review the Typology and establish a pathway into Phase 2 which will focus on data collection from 60 by-and-for organisations. Watch this space for more updates on how this project develops.
If you have any common interest, comments or questions related to this research project please get in touch with Suzanne Perry, Research Associate and project manager for this work at Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales, by emailing sperry@lloydsbankfoundation.org.uk
