We are seeking expressions of interest from an experienced researcher(s) to support with the scoping phase of a new volunteering project.

Spark Somerset is the main infrastructure organisation in the county providing support to the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) sector.

We co-ordinate the voice of, and advocate on behalf of, the VCFSE sector across Somerset. Our support enables individual VCFSE groups and organisations to develop, improve and sustain their services through the provision of training for staff and volunteers, advising on operational and governance policy and procedures, assisting with funding applications and bid writing, and ensuring safeguarding duties are met.

We are leading a new, 3-year project – Volunteering Somerset – in collaboration with health, community, and governmental organisations across the county.

The aim of this programme is to unify and enhance volunteering efforts across Somerset’s health and social care sectors, with a focus on creating a more cohesive volunteering system which can improve health outcomes for people in Somerset while alleviating pressure on healthcare services.

We are inviting tenders from experienced researchers to help us to better understand the range of voluntary activities, experiences of volunteering, and diversity of the volunteer community across Somerset. Insight and findings generated by the successful researcher(s) will later be used by Volunteering Somerset to inform the ‘integrated volunteering strategy for Somerset’.

Purpose
To explore the views, perceptions and experiences from four key cohorts across Somerset:

• Volunteer-Involving Organisations across Somerset (e.g. VCFSE, NHS Somerset, Somerset Foundation Trust, Somerset Council etc)
• People who formally volunteer for organisations in Somerset
• People who informally volunteer in Somerset (e.g. faith communities, sports coaches, helping neighbours etc)
• People who do not currently volunteer

Methodology
The appointed researcher(s) should be experienced in mixed methodologies which will likely include:

• Desk-based research: identify, synthesise and collate existing data/reports about volunteering (national and local sources)
• Primary data collection: surveys, interviews and group conversations (online & in-person)
• Group/workshop facilitation (online & in-person)
• Data analysis and reporting (quantitative and qualitative)

Deliverables

• Comprehensive written report for Volunteering Somerset to inform the Somerset Integrated Volunteering Strategy
• Executive summary and infographic for public dissemination
• Produce a standardised ‘question bank’ & ‘topic guide’ for use by Volunteer-Involving Organisations
• Regular meetings with the project team and Spark Somerset.

The scoping phase must be completed by the end of February 2025.

Further information about this tender can be found by clicking here.

To be considered for this work, please submit a document of no more than 2 A4 pages that includes you/your organisation’s background, previous experience and/or examples of similar projects, proposed methodology, and your proposed timeline including key milestones. This should be submitted by 5pm on Friday 13 December.

Proposals, or additional queries about this tender prior to submission, can be sent to Susi Calder at susi.calder@sparksomerset.org.uk.