Developing the small charities data hub

Small Charities Data was set up as a digital research hub that brings together the latest and best available data on small charities in the UK. Its aim was to make evidence on small charities accessible and usable for anyone interested in the voluntary sector.Founded by the Lloyds Bank Foundation, it has recently been passed on to NCVO and the VCSE Observatory.

This session, part of the ESRC-funded Unlocking Community Insights project, is designed to give participants a chance to shape the future of the Small Charities Data hub.

We want to understand what you want from this platform:

• What kinds of data are most useful to you?
• How do you currently access or use data about small charities?
• What features or tools would help you find, interpret, and apply data more effectively?
• How could this hub support your work, funding applications, or policy influencing?

Who should attend?This session is open to anyone interested in small charities data, including:

• Small charities and community groups
• Local and national infrastructure bodies
• Local authorities and public sector partners
• Academic and independent researchers
• Policymakers and government officials
• Funders and grant-makers
• Anyone who collects or holds data on small charities
• And others working to understand or support the voluntary sector

Your insights will help us co-design a platform that is inclusive, impactful, and genuinely meets the needs of the small charity sector and its supporters.

What will happen on the day?

We will start with lunch, giving you a chance to meet others

We will then present what the small charities data hub is currently like, talk about the current data sources and how it has been created

We will then run roundtables discussing what you want from the future of the small charities data hub, focusing on what types of information and insights you want to know about small charities, and importantly if you had these insights what would you do with them

Do you offer travel support?

We have a small budget for those that need it to pay for travel. If you are interested please contact VCSEObservatory@ntu.ac.uk