About this study
We have been commissioned to evaluate the independent charity called V, which the Government launched to engage more young people in volunteering.
The final report will be published in June 2011.You can read the interim report here or a summary of the interim report here.
V explained
V funds and supports voluntary organisations as they create inspiring opportunities for people aged 16 to 25.
The Government hopes that involving this age group in volunteering will teach them skills that will help them in the job marketplace - as well as raise their self esteem and sense of community.
V was set up following a Russell Commission report that highlighted the need for more and better youth volunteering opportunities in England.
Our work
Our researchers are evaluating V’s activities and early achievements to see if the charity is delivering on the Russell Commission recommendations.
We're leading a research team including colleagues from the Institute for Volunteering Research, University of Southampton, University of Birmingham and Public Zone. If you've been asked to take part, click here.
Potential policy impact
Our evaluation will help the Government assess how well V is fulfilling its policy commitment to the growth of youth volunteering in England.
The results of the evaluation will also inform recommendations for youth volunteering organisations on how to foster good practice.
Method
Our evaluation uses a mix of research methods:
- 42 qualitative case studies are being carried out of V funded projects.
- We want to find out what young volunteers really think about V. To help us to do this we are training a team of researchers aged between 16 and 25. They will take the lead on conducting research with young volunteers and this will be an important part of the case studies.
- At the same time, we are running deliberative workshops to give key stakeholders the opportunity to explore issues in depth and feedback on early findings from the evaluation.
- A two-stage quantitative survey will tell us how organisations and individuals have experienced the grant application process.
- Our researchers are also analysing data from the Citizenship Survey to find out if V has raised awareness of youth volunteering in England.
- A cost/benefit analysis is being planned as is an audit of V’s marketing and communication activities.