Research
Volunteering WA supports the advancement of research into the issues of concern and current trends in the voluntary sector in Western Australia.
Research Committee
In November 2008 Volunteering WA re-established our Research Committee following an absense of several years. The Committee is primarily an advisory body that aims to identify, share and report on existing and planned research into the Western Australian voluntary sector. Membership of the Committee includes both Researchers and Practitioners in the field.
For more information or to share with Volunteering WA news of your Research Project please contact Denise on 9482 4303 or use the online contact form.
Projects
Volunteer Involving Organisations Management Practices Project
A team of researchers from Murdoch Business School are conducting a project that examines management practices in volunteer involving organisations. This study is a follow up to work undertaken in 1994 by Dr Megan Paull and aims to identify changes in management practices in the intervening period. Managers of volunteers have been surveyed as part of this research. The research report is due for completion in June 2010.
Measuring Performance in the Non Profit Sector - What is necessary to develop an easy to implement and maintain metrics framework
Research has shown that few not-for-profit organisations have a corporate style of management, or provide formal reporting on activities. Murdoch University PhD student Julia Zivanovic is undertaking research to assist in the development of a metrics framework that will enable not-for-profits to better evaluate their organisational outcomes and be able to enhance their performance to constituents, funders and volunteers. Julia is looking for managers, paid or voluntary, of all types and sizes of NFPs to participate in an interview as part of the project. For further details download Measuring Performance in the Non Profit Sector.pdf
Resources
Volunteering WA, with the assistance of our Research Committee, has produced a series of resources for community organisations to utilise when negotiating a higher education student placement agreement or a research project agreement. It is envisaged that the parties to the agreement would work through the document together, considering all relevant questions.
Student Placement Protocol and Guidelines for Negotiating a Student on Placement Agreement
Guidelines for Negotiating a Research Agreement
Latest News
3rd National Volunteering Research Symposium
Volunteering Australia is hosting the 3rd National Volunteering Research Symposium in Melbourne on Tuesday 26 October 2010. The day includes presentations on completed and current research looking at a broad range of areas where volunteering is studied. For further information please visit the Volunteering Australia website.