Listening to the Sector: Why Your Voice Matters in the Barometer Survey
One of the best parts of my job is that I have the privilege to talk and engage with many leaders of the Voluntary Sector about current issues happening in their local communities. Since December 2022, thanks to funding from the Lloyds Bank Foundation, I've been working with many leaders from local voluntary sector organisations, asking about their motivations for participating in our Barometer survey.
At the heart of this involvement lies the desire to influence policymakers positively, to contribute to further development of the ‘Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise’ (VCSE) sector, and to see their voices resonate in the corridors of decision-making. As one participant stated, "It's very important that the small organisations get their voices heard and make a contribution to whatever research is going on." The essence of representation is undeniable, and these organisations are seizing the opportunity to be part of something bigger—to feed into research that delves into the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on the voluntary sector.
Moreover, some leaders are also seeing the benefits of bringing survey results to their own organisations. As expressed by one respondent, "I picked up a section from the report and it says there about the general consensus about how charities in the future being put under enormous pressure and the difficulty in gaining a paid workforce. I just put in that as really, really great evidence for your trustee board if you're facing difficulty".
These are some of the key messages from VCSE sector leaders explaining why they are completing our quarterly Barometer Survey:
- Influence Through Insight - By sharing their experiences and perspectives, they can contribute to shaping positive change and influence policies about the VCSE sector.
- Amplify VCSE Voice: The survey provides a platform for organisations of all sizes to be heard. It provides space for voices of smaller organisations to be equally represented.
- Building Credible Evidence: Leaders believe that by participating, they are helping to build a solid foundation of evidence that highlights the impact of the cost-of living crisis on the voluntary sector. The Barometer’s insights help to build a narrative for advocating for increased funding and support, driving real change where it's needed most.
- Shape the Sector's Future: Your responses contribute to a bigger picture that shapes the trajectory of the voluntary sector. The collective impact of all participants influences sector-wide changes that benefit organisations, communities, and the people VCSE organisations serve.
- Provide Powerful Comparisons: In a rapidly changing landscape, the survey's results reveal common challenges faced by the voluntary sector and share some of the organisations’ strategies to cope with these challenges. Our survey becomes an effective tool for comparison and learning.
Currently, we are working together with a number of local infrastructure organisations to make the Barometer survey more relevant to their locality. We are incorporating specific local questions and providing quicker feedback of our results. Organisations can also ask for a copy of their answers so they can take their own reflection to their places. Thanks to your contributions, we can paint a clearer picture of the VCSE sector and convey these messages to key stakeholders. So please, continue filling out the Barometer survey because your views matter! JMS
Want to find out more?
The VCSE Observatory produces accessible data, analysis and insight on the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector. Get in touch to find out more.