This study will explore stakeholders’ perceptions of trends in the development of the third sector. We will use a range of techniques including interviews, focus groups and short comparable self-response questionnaires to assess views about the role and impact of the sector. We will explore the way that networks form within the third sector, and between sectors, with the intention of getting a clear understanding of what factors improve communication and cooperation and impact of the sector's work.
We will interview stakeholders in the public sector (officers in local authorities, government organisations, regional development agencies, assemblies and government offices etc.), representatives of the third sector (in CVS and other infrastructure and capacity-building organisations), in charitable funding bodies (such as foundations) and other interested parties (including academics, economists and researchers).