Institute for Voluntary Action Research

Who we are

At IVAR, we're more than researchers – we’re sense-makers and bridge-builders. We turn real-world challenges in the voluntary sector into clear, practical insights that inspire change and action. 

For 25 years, we’ve worked shoulder-to-shoulder with charities, funders and community organisations: listening, learning and tackling tough problems together. Our work is curious, grounded, human and hopeful. 

Our culture and values

- Curious: We listen and learn with an open mind, and we always want to hear a wide variety of perspectives.

- Grounded: Our work stems from real problems and can be easily understood and applied.

- Human: We offer encouragement, humour and empathy. We know it’s not always easy and we’ll be frank about challenges.

- Hopeful: We create spaces for difficult discussions and use our voice and networks to inspire conversations that drive change.

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

We value, welcome and respect all the differences that make us who we are, including: age, cultural background, disability and mental health, ethnicity and race, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, and social background.