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. 

If you’re excited by ideas, motivated by making change, and eager to bring clarity to complexity, you’ll feel right at home here.  

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.

Our culture and values

Our people

We are a small, dedicated team of 12 staff, 9 trustees and a network of associates and advisors, who have worked in and around the voluntary sector as volunteers, staff, leaders, trustees and researchers

Our principles

·       Grounded: We deal with practical problems, challenges and opportunities. We start by helping to pin down what really needs to be addressed.

·       Collaborative: We know that those with direct experience of an issue are key to resolving challenges and opening up opportunities.

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

·       Flexible: We notice when things aren’t working and change our approach to meet the needs and circumstances of each partner. We listen and learn, evolving continuously in response to voluntary sector need.