Sponsored content: The Institute for Voluntary Action Research (IVAR) have launched ‘Listening and Learning Together – the IVAR podcast’.

This new series aimed at trusts, foundations, charities, public agencies and the wider voluntary sector sets out to explore some of the knotty, pressing challenges currently facing the voluntary sector.

Hosted by Ben Cairns, director at IVAR, each episode includes different perspectives from people who share their ideas and experiences, so they – and listeners, can learn together about how best to deliver for communities and causes across the UK. 

In the first episode of the series, Ben Cairns speaks to Edmund Kung – executive director at Sport4Health, Amy Sutcliffe – fundraising and communications manager at One25 and Carolyn Sawers – CEO at Corra Foundation.

In this frank conversation, the group reflects on findings from recent peer support sessions with 28 charity leaders, where people described the rising pressures they face in light of the cost-of-living crisis, the emotional strains of leadership and more.

While times are challenging, their guests offer some clear actions funders can take and share their moments of hope.

Speaking about the stress of fundraising, Amy Sutcliffe, communications and fundraising manager at charity One25 says:

“We [One25 charity] still face many, many challenges – we're all operating in a time when it's essential that we do more with less.

There are less resources out there that we can try and leverage, and so we have to be more efficient. I think that flexible approaches to funding and a commitment to really empowering the voluntary sector are just essential to make this happen”.

The podcast series will go on to explore the different realities facing the voluntary and grant-making sectors, leaning into IVAR’s research and insights along the way.

‘Listening and Learning Together’is now available to listen to via IVAR’s Spotify channel.