Research, Armed Forces charities research

Cobseo Members’ Surveys: Analytical reports

DSC’s bi-annual surveys investigating the ongoing impact of a changing socio-economic environment on Cobseo Members.

What is the purpose of the reports?

The Covid-19 pandemic has had an undeniable impact on the charity sector. Data on the extent of this impact – from organisations ‘on the ground’ – is crucial to understanding the extent to which Covid-19 and subsequent socio-economic changes have affected Cobseo Members

To this end, funded by Forces in Mind Trust (FiMT), the Directory of Social Change (DSC) has been undertaking survey-based research with members of Cobseo (The Confederation of Service Charities) to enable Members to give voice to the reality of their situation.

Every six months, Cobseo members are invited to respond to a new wave of the survey. Reports from May 2020 up to November 2022 can be downloaded below. The next wave of data collection is due to commence in May 2023.

What do they cover?

The survey is continually updated to reflect the changing environment, but respondents typically provide information on the following key areas:

Beneficiary needs and demand for services
Impacts on service delivery
Changes in sources of income
Changes in types of expenditure
Overall financial changes
Risks facing Members
Support needed by Members

The written reports provide a comprehensive overview and analysis of the qualitative and quantitative data, including attention to trends over time. For a quantitative ‘snapshot’ of each wave – and to explore the data yourself – visit our interactive Cobseo Covid-19 Impact Database.