For the last five years, Professors Tony Chapman and Fred Robinson have been developing methods to examine what makes charities successful. In 2010 a report was published which attempted to categorise organisational practices. Twenty categories were devised, divided equally between four main headings: foresight, enterprise, capability and impact. 50 organisations in the Northern Rock Foundation Third Sector Trends Study were scored against each of the categories.

Read the 2010 report: http://www.charityfinancials.com/caritas-magazine/what-makes-a-third-sector-organisation-tick-648.html

Read a summary of the 2010 report: http://www.nr-foundation.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/The-Reality-Check-Final.pdf

A second study two years later explored how these 50 organisations had fared in difficult economic circumstances. On the basis of the analysis, Chapman and Robinson identified 10 ‘critical success factors’ and produced a framework for self reflection for charities to try out. The problem is, it is not known whether complying with critical success factors will protect charities from competition in the social market or political and economic turbulence. That is the subject of the final phase of the work in 2014-15.

See the self appraisal framework: http://www.nr-foundation.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/NRFTST-organisational-self-appraisal-framework.pdf

Read the 2013 report: http://www.nr-foundation.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Walking-a-Tightrope.pdf

The second annual report on the evaluation of the O2/Telefónica Think Big programme has been published. The report, which forms part of a much larger study in five other European countries, shows that small scale youth-led projects help to build young people’s resilience at a time where prospects of employment are low. The programme provides young people, particularly from less affluent backgrounds, with positive experiences which help to bolster their confidence in hard times.

Read the report: http://www.dur.ac.uk/StChads/prg/Building%20young%20people’s%20resilience%20in%20hard%20times%20an%20evaluation%20of%20O2%20Think%20Big.pdf

This project, supported by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, was about unlocking the potential of universities to support hard-pressed communities in difficult times. It aimed to encourage and challenge the universities to use their considerable resources to engage more fully and deeply with disadvantaged communities and respond to the issues facing them. Such engagement can undoubtedly benefit universities as well as communities.
A comprehensive questionnaire survey of all universities in the UK has been undertaken (85% return), followed by in-depth case studies of 30 universities. The research sought out good practice and identified barriers and opportunities. The project was led by Professor Fred Robinson, supported by Ian Zass-Ogilvie and Professor Ray Hudson, the University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor.

The report is available on the JRF website.