Charities bring millions of pounds into Brighton and Hove economy

Charities are bringing in millions of pounds a year to the economy of Brighton and Hove.

Their value was most recently estimated to be about £96 million in a study by the Community and Voluntary Sector Forum (CVSF). And collectively they employ about 8,000 staff.

Now the CVSF is carrying out fresh research to gain a more accurate and up-to-date picture of the value of volunteering locally.

The CVSF is asking hundreds of charities in the area to take part in its research by completing the Taking Account survey online.

And it’s even holding a prize draw – with five £50 high street shopping vouchers on offer – to encourage charities and voluntary groups to complete the survey by Friday (20 September).

The survey is called Taking Account 3 and follows two similar surveys in 2008 and 2003.

It has been described as a economic and social audit of the community and voluntary sector and should take between 25 minutes and 45 minutes to complete.

The CVSF said: “Much has changed since the last research in 2008 and there is a need to update the study so that we can accurately assess the contribution and health of the sector in Brighton and Hove.

“As well as providing robust information and data, Taking Account 3 also demonstrates the sector’s impact and influence on lives in the city.”

The research is being funded by Brighton and Hove City Council.

It is being overseen by a steering group which includes the council, Brighton University, the Brighton and Hove Clinical Commissioning Group and the social research consultancy OCSI.

The individual survey responses will be available only to the CVSF.

The research covers four areas

• The online survey gathering evidence of the reach and value of the voluntary sector
• A funding matrix exploring how the local public sector funds the voluntary sector and the inward investment which it attracts
• Desk research on the trends and challenges faced by the voluntary sector over the next five years
• Impact case studies drawn from the voluntary sector’s own research

Anyone with questions about the survey can contact Taking Account 3 Project Manager Laura Williams on 01273 810242 or at laura@cvsectorforum.org.uk.

To complete the survey, click here. Information about the results of the earlier Taking Account surveys can be found here.