Research and Insight Worker - Joe Kendal
My role here at Salford CVS is that of Research and Insight Worker.
It is a fantastic job in that I can spotlight some of the amazing work that is undertaken by our member organisations every day here in Salford.
It is a privilege to meet and engage with the brilliant people who underpin our sector and to see for myself the huge impact of the work they do.
State of the Sector
State of the Sector is a partnership piece of research commissioned by Salford CVS working with stakeholders across Greater Manchester and Nottingham Trent University.
Aim: The key objective of the research is to provide a comprehensive overview of the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector both within the city of Salford and Greater Manchester as a whole.
Timeframe: The survey is currently live: www.salfordcvs.co.uk/SoS2025/26
Previous research results: Salford State of the VCSE Sector | Salford CVS
Pulse Checks
The Salford CVS Pulse Check, is a quarterly survey that captures insight at specific points in time.
Aim: The Pulse Check enables us to pick out key trends or issues within the VCSE sector which can be shared with our Vocal VCSE representatives, the wider VCSE sector and our Public sector partners to support our voice and influence work, and to improve collaborative working. Enables us to monitor/explore key trends or emergent issues across the sector with short surveys.
Timeframe: Quarterly
Salford VCSE Pulse Check - Use of AI - February 2026
The latest Pulse Check focused on the use of AI and digital tools in Salford's VCSE sector.
We asked organisations what AI tools they used, what they found useful, what barriers they had to using them, and what support they needed.
Responding organisations found the greatest value in using AI to explore new ideas and plan projects, followed closely by communications such as emails, newsletters, and social media. There was also significant uptake for writing funding bids and creating
digital resources.
Read more:
Previous Pulse Check reports
April 2025 VCSE headlines: https://www.salfordcvs.co.uk/node/459940
Snapshot of volunteering: https://www.salfordcvs.co.uk/volunteering-pulse-check
Salford Social Value Study
Aim: To identify local community and VCSE needs and explore opportunities for social value delivery across Salford.
Salford CVS needs the help of Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations offering services in Salford to help identify local needs and explore opportunities for social value delivery in communities across the city.
Timeframe: Live now
Survey link: https://www.salfordcvs.co.uk/socialvaluesurvey
Salford 99
Aim: Study of 19 VCSE organisations, focusing on positive impact and values-driven work – good news stories and positive framing!
Timeframe: Launch April 2026
10GM Community Voices
Aim: To amplify the voices of people experiencing the worst health outcomes and inequalities across Greater Manchester by supporting trusted community groups to gather and share peer-led insight.
Timeframe: January-March 2026
The Strengths of the VCSE sector in improving health and wellbeing for residents in Salford
Salford CVS was commissioned by Salford City Council as part of their Joint Strategic Strengths and Needs Assessment to conduct research into the strengths the VCSE sector brings to improving health and wellbeing for residents in Salford
This research was divided into research around Children and Young People, and Adults. The reports can be found below: