CompletedObservational

Supporting the voluntary community and social enterprise paid workforce: an action research study

This study is exploring ways to improve support for staff working in charities and community groups that provide health and wellbeing services in South and West Yorkshire. These staff, like Link Workers or Community Befrienders, often feel unsupported, which can lead them to leave their jobs. This affects the people who rely on their care. The researchers will work with six organisations to design and test new ways of offering support, such as mentoring or group support. They will also look at the costs involved and see how these new approaches help staff feel more supported and stay in their roles. The aim is to find effective ways to help these valuable workers continue doing their important jobs.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

University of Sheffield

Enrolment target

500

Start

14 Apr 2025

Estimated completion

01 Sep 2025

Professional support for the voluntary sector paid workforce

What is this study about?

Charities and local community groups, often called Voluntary Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations, do a fantastic job helping people with their health and wellbeing. They employ many dedicated individuals, such as Link Workers, Peer Support Workers, and Welfare Advice Officers, who provide essential care and support.

However, we know that many of these staff members often feel unsupported in their roles. This can lead to them leaving their jobs, which means that the people who depend on their care might experience disruptions or lose their support altogether. This study aims to tackle this problem by finding better ways to support these valuable workers.

The researchers will be working closely with six local VCSE organisations in South and West Yorkshire. They will listen to staff experiences, look at what kinds of support might be helpful (like a new mentoring programme), and see how these new ideas can be put into practice. The goal is to discover what kinds of support make a real difference, helping staff feel more confident and happy in their jobs, and ultimately ensuring people continue to receive the care they need.

Key takeaways

This study aims to improve support for staff in charity and community health roles.
It focuses on organisations in South and West Yorkshire.
Participants will help design and test new types of professional support.
The goal is to help staff feel more supported and stay in their jobs.
The research could benefit other charity staff across the UK.
It helps ensure people continue to receive vital care.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for people who work for charities or community groups that provide health and wellbeing services. You need to be working in either South or West Yorkshire in the UK to be considered.

Unfortunately, if you don't work for a charity or community group, or if your organisation isn't based in South or West Yorkshire, you won't be able to take part. Also, participants must be at least 18 years old.

The researchers also need to make sure that anyone taking part is able to understand what the study involves and agree to participate on their own behalf.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Do you work for a charity or community group?
Does your organisation provide health or wellbeing services?
Is your organisation based in South or West Yorkshire, UK?
Are you 18 years old or older?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part in this study, you'll be helping the researchers understand what kinds of support work best for staff in charities and community groups. This will involve filling out questionnaires about your experiences and possibly taking part in interviews with the researchers. You'll also have the opportunity to engage with new support programmes that are designed during the study, like a new mentoring scheme or group support. The study will run from November 2024 until April 2027.

Potential risks and benefits

A main benefit of taking part is the opportunity to receive professional support, such as supervision or mentoring, which could help you feel more supported in your role. You'll also be contributing to important research that could improve working conditions for many people in the charity sector. The main risk is the time commitment needed to participate in questionnaires, interviews, and any new support programmes. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason.

Locations (2)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

NHS West Yorkshire Icb - 02t
City only
Halifax, United Kingdom
NHS South Yorkshire Icb - 03l
City only
Rotherham, United Kingdom

Common questions

What kind of organisations are involved?

The study involves charities and community groups (called VCSEs) that deliver health and wellbeing services.

What kind of staff roles are they looking at?

They're looking at staff like Link Workers, Peer Support Workers, Welfare Advice Officers, and Community Befrienders.

What kind of support might be offered?

Examples include new supervision programmes or peer support, but these will be designed with staff ideas.

How long will the study last?

The study is expected to run from November 2024 to April 2027.

Who is paying for this study?

The study is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) in the UK.

How to find out more

Alexis Foster

alexis.foster@sheffield.ac.uk +44 (0)7835042009 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.