Amy Sanders (Aberystwyth University) and Vita Terry (IVAR)
We know right now might be an unsettling time for some voluntary sector researchers with
the state of flux currently in the world, and because of this, we believe that spaces to come
together are ever more important: to pause, reflect, and connect with one another. We
thought you’d appreciate the reassurance that VSSN is going strong and here to support you
in your work. Here is the latest news from our team:
We are delighted to welcome our new trustees who include: Petra Buresova, James Rees
and Bethany Sikes. We are also pleased as punch to announce our new Voluntary Sector
Review trustee, Caitlin McMullin.
Besides us (Vita and Amy), the VSSN Co-Chairs, our office bearers include our new Vice-
Chair, James Rees and secretary, Heather Fulford, who join our experienced treasurer,
Karin Biermann. It would be remiss not to mention the other fabulous members of the VSSN
trustee board who consist of Ellen Bennet, Stephen Cracker, Jurgen Grotz, Daniel Haslam
and Jo Vincett. Our board is supported by the magnificent Executive Officer, Meg Wright.
On the 11th February 2025 we all came together for our annual planning day- and this time,
it was online! We used the day to meet the new trustees, spend time connecting as a board,
celebrate the successes of 2024 and of course, review VSSN strategic plan with the aim of
looking ahead for our upcoming priorities.
So what lies ahead for the coming year? We will of course be continuing with the great work
that is already happening in VSSN, which includes supporting the new researchers,
distributing our small grants scheme, organising the day events and the two day annual
VSVR conference. In addition, our focus for the next year will be to advance VSSN’s work in
every aspect of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion as well as strengthening our communication
systems with the wonderful VSSN membership.
We want to say a huge thanks to the board and recognise all the amazing work that the
board does.
We also have a wider message to the network. VSSN aspires to be a network that is
welcoming and supportive. At a time when things can feel dispersed, we hope voluntary
sector and volunteering researchers can find a nurturing space within the network. We also
want to remind members that we have different membership rates for a reason, so let us
know if any changes in your position mean you need to take up a different membership rate.
Inclusion is important to us. VSSN prides itself in the journey that our members take from
their initial experiences at one of our many events, to becoming regular contributors and
friends in our research community. We are keen to stay with you at every step in your
career.
We have an exciting year ahead of events which we will keep everyone updated on. For now
pencil the following in your diaries:
- 11th June – Perspectives on Scotland’s Third Sector Impact, Glasgow
- 14th July – Researching voluntary and community organisations, charities and NGOs
using organisational records: An interdisciplinary summer school for doctoral and
early career researchers’, Venue: Room 828, IOE Building, University College
London, 20 Bedford Way, London WC1H 0AL - 3rd and 4th September – VSVR annual conference 2025 at Bayes Business School,
London.
