The Wheel

The Wheel

Organisation type: Charity

Overall interests and goals with respect to research:

The Wheel is the National Association for the Charity, Community and Social Enterprise Sector. We are interested in a range of topics related to the sector, including research related to: 

• Social impact of the sector
• How the sector can partner with Government to deliver key policies and strategies, e.g. the National Wellbeing Framework
• The sector as a support for marginalised and excluded communities, particularly around newer challenges (climate, rising populism, misinformation, demographic changes, etc.)
• The sector's role in driving engaged, socially impactful research
• Management and funding in the sector
• A healthy, thriving civil society
• Active citizenship
• The sector as a vehicle for health and wellbeing

What societal groups does the organisation aim to positively affect and support through collaborative research?

The Wheel represents over 2,500 charities, community groups, and social enterprises, which focus on a wide range of causes. While our primary focus is on supporting the staff and volunteers within the sector itself, we also have a strong track record of supporting the sector to engage with particular groups and marginalised communities.

How might engaging in collaborative research with TU Dublin support these groups in the longer term?

Our goal is to foster a thriving charity and community sector at the heart of a fair and just Ireland. Despite its vital role, the sector remains significantly under-researched. Without a deeper understanding of its needs, impact, and potential, it is challenging to make the case for meaningful change or to deliver supports based on actual research evidence.

Through further research, we aim to close this gap, strengthen the case for our advocacy work, and provide supports that will help build a healthier, more inclusive, and more effective charity, community, and social enterprise sector for all.

Emma Murtagh, Director of Development and Member Services

Further Information:

• If you would like to know more about potentially collaborating with this organisation, please contact Catherine Bates, Research Engagement Lead at engagementandimpact@tudublin.ie.