The Third Sector Research Centre has launched a new website designed to pull together research and evidence on a range of voluntary sector subjects.
The Third Sector Knowledge Portal will gather research on subjects including policy, social and economic impact, and funding. It has been financed by £200,000 from the Big Lottery Fund.
The website will feature materials such as academic research, reports by voluntary organisations, government publications and training materials. Links will be provided to relevant materials at the British Library.
A statement from the TSRC said that, where possible, people would be able to download the content free of charge. It is asking organisations that have produced relevant materials to get in touch.
Pete Alcock, chief executive of the TSRC, said evidence was important to inform decisions and policy-making.
Peter Wanless, chief executive of the BLF, said research and information on the voluntary and community sector was often fragmented and difficult to access.
"As an intelligent funder, the BLF is convinced that many of the solutions to deep-rooted social problems can be found in sharing and building on existing effective practice," he said.
"A resource such as this, which enables those working in a field of social interventions to compare notes with each other and to add to the evidence of what seems to work on the ground, is key to bringing about long-lasting positive changes to those most in need."
