TSRC offers third sector organisations and policy-makers access and input into robust research, aiming to bridge the gap between research and the third sector.

We are reviewing existing research and building comprehensive databases. Working closely with practitioners and policy makers, we are analysing the difference the sector makes. In all our research, we are informed by a strong theoretical and conceptual analysis of the sector.

The Centre is a collaborative venture by the Universities of Birmingham and Southampton, with contributions from Middlesex and Kent. It is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council, Office of the Third Sector and Barrow Cadbury Trust.

What is the third sector?

The third sector is a debated term. TSRC takes a broad definition of the sector, to include all organisations operating outside the formal state or public sphere that are not trading commercially for a profit in the market. This means charities and voluntary organisations, community groups, social enterprises, cooperatives and mutuals. Whilst these organisations are exceptionally diverse, they share a broad common theme of being value driven.

Advancing knowledge and understanding

Through communication and collaboration with practitioners and policy-makers, TSRC is striving to ensure that its research meets the needs of the sector. Through independent and critical research, the Centre aims to enhance our knowledge of the sector, in order to better understand its value and how this can be maximised.
Read our approach to research

Providing accessible research

TSRC is committed to making research available to all who need it. We will publish our research on our website and elsewhere, and keep people informed of our work via regular updates. The Centre also reviews existing research, and is building a library of relevant research for those in the sector to utilise.
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Building capacity

TSRC aims to help grow the potential for future third sector research. Through Capacity Building Clusters and other initiatives, we are working to enhance the sector’s capacity to conduct and use research.
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