About Us
VCSE Data and Insights National Observatory
Building insight into real-time trends, changes and challenges in the UK voluntary, community and social enterprise sector through collaborative research and data-driven analysis.
About the Observatory
The VCSE Data and Insights National Observatory is a collaborative research initiative led by Nottingham Trent University (NTU) in partnership with national infrastructure organisations and membership bodies across the UK.
Who We Are
Led by NTU's Centre for Social Action and Innovation, the Observatory brings together researchers, practitioners, and sector leaders to create a comprehensive understanding of the VCSE sector's health and sustainability.
Our Mission
To provide timely, robust, and accessible data and insights that support evidence-based decision-making, policy development, and strategic planning across the VCSE sector.
Our Aims
We track sector trends, identify emerging challenges, measure organisational resilience, and share findings through reports, dashboards, and policy briefings to inform strategic responses.
Why It Matters
The VCSE sector plays a vital role in UK society. Our work ensures that sector voices are heard, challenges are understood, and evidence informs policies that support sustainable growth and impact.
The VCSE Barometer Survey
A quarterly pulse check on the health, challenges, and outlook of voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations across the UK.
What We Measure
The Barometer tracks financial outlook, service demand, operational risk, workforce trends, and volunteer engagement. Each wave includes a topical theme addressing current sector priorities.
Survey Frequency
The survey runs quarterly, with each wave open for approximately three weeks. This regular cadence allows us to track trends over time and respond quickly to emerging issues.
How to Participate
Any VCSE organisation in the UK can participate. The survey takes 15-20 minutes to complete and covers your organisation's recent experiences and future expectations.
Sharing Results
Findings are shared through quarterly reports, this interactive dashboard, policy briefings for decision-makers, and online sessions. All outputs are freely accessible to the sector.
Explore the Latest Findings
View our most recent Barometer report and discover what's happening across the VCSE sector.
View Latest Report