In an article for the ARVAC Bulletin, Paul Goggins, parliamentary under Secretary of State with responsibility for the voluntary and community sector, community cohesion, faith and race equality, has recognised the importance of community research for informing government decisions. Writing in the February edition of the quarterly publication produced by the Association for Research in the Voluntary and Community Sector, Mr Goggins argues that the community and voluntary sector research play a “vital contribution” to government policy making “enabling us to monitor the effectiveness of our policies, to identify and disseminate examples of good practice, and to develop new and innovative approaches to working more effectively with the voluntary and community sector.“ He finishes his article on a positive note saying;

“I look forward to developing and strengthening our research capacity by working more closely and collaboratively with research colleagues in community groups and organisations.”

Lesley Symes, Director of ARVAC, said today

“We are delighted that Mr Goggins has gone out of his way to acknowledge the crucial importance that research plays in the voluntary and community sector. Voluntary and community organisations play a vital role in creating and sustaining healthy communities, and research plays an essential role in increasing the effectiveness of those organisations involved in voluntary and community action.”


ARVAC was established in 1978. It is a membership organisation and acts as a resource for people interested in research in or on community organisations.

The February edition of the Bulletin can order the publication from  arvac@arvac.org.uk at a cost of £5. Past articles can be viewed in full in the archive at www.arvac.org.uk