The role of research and reflection in third sector responses to complex and fast-changing contexts: Using action learning methodologies to examine responses to supporting people with complex needs during Covid-19 and implications for future practice

There is a growing recognition within public and third sector organisations that outcomes-based commissioning and management ignores the complexity (at an individual, organisational and systems level) in which services operate. Some in the sector are experimenting with more developmental, collaborative, place-based approaches. However strategic development has recently been disrupted by Covid-19, which has forced services to change overnight whilst increasing support needs within communities. This project will analyse the ways in which community organisations have evolved during the crisis, and identify implications for future practice, not only in terms of service delivery models but also change processes and evaluation methods. CoLab is a cross-sector 'wellbeing hub' hosting 30 organisations from community, social enterprise and public sectors supporting people with complex needs (e.g. homelessness, mental ill-health). As an embedded researcher I will work with staff and users as co-researchers, drawing on research tools from different methodological approaches (e.g. participatory action research, ethnography, developmental evaluation) to explore their experiences of using, delivering and adapting services in a rapidly changing context. Key goals include producing recommendations for service development, identifying appropriate research methods to sustain an 'action research' culture moving forward, and sharing learning more widely within the sector and related academic fields.