Below the Radar Reference Group

A reference group has been set up to inform TSRC’s below the radar work stream. The reference group is made up of practitioners, policy-makers and academics who work with, represent or take and interest in community sector groups and activities.

The aims of the reference group are to:
• Inform the Third Sector Research Centre’s work with small community based organisations
• Comment on emerging research findings
• Promote discussion on, and the dissemination of, research in this field.

The first reference group meeting took place on 7th July 2009. The meeting was used to gain a general overview of the current issues and challenges faced by below the radar organisations and to explore the key questions, methods and issues in researching these organisations. The issues and questions arising from this meeting are outlined in this discussion paper.

One of the main themes of discussion revolved around the need and difficulties in defining what is meant by 'below the radar'. Members were sent a definitions paper prior to the meeting. This paper explored different dimensions of below the radar activity, and sought to identify different radars and key variables that might form the focus of research activity.

More: see Below the Radar work stream