Research & Intelligence > THINK CVS Research Services

In addition to research undertaken as part of our group support and training services, we can also provide fee charging research and consultancy services for 'not for profit' organisations and statutory agencies. ThinkCVS, the operational name for the consultancy arm of CVS West Dunbartonshire specialising in the areas of community engagement and development, social enterprise and entrepreneurship, regeneration, sustainability and health. Established in 2001, the CVS has already worked in a range of community engagement settings, delivering consultancy projects locally, regionally and nationally. Types of research undertaken include:

• Feasibility Studies
• Best Value Evaluation
• Market Analysis
• Project Evaluation
• Clients Surveys
• Needs Analysis
• Social Impact Studies
• Case Study Production
• Consultation
• Development & Best Practice Reviews
• Internal Structures Audits
• Market Research Projects
• and Funding Opportunity Analysis

Valuing Our Voluntary Sector: Are you an elected member serving the people of West Dunbartonshire? MP, MSP or Councillour? Then this guide is for you. You will find a broad range of services that can guide you around the labyrinth of the voluntary sector. Download

Our Research Leaders:

Selina Ross: BA (Hons) Economics, Marketing and Finance, University of Strathclyde, Post Graduate Certificate in Management Open University Business School, Certificate in Rural Development Practice, Sabhal Mor Ostaig, SVQ ‘Training for Trainers’ Certificate, James Watt College

Selina brings a mix of a ‘traditional’ business education and extensive community development and facilitation experience. Having worked with a wide spectrum of community, voluntary and social economy organisations, Selina has developed a considerable skills base covering community animation, organisational development, social enterprise management, monitoring and evaluation systems with a particular interest in social auditing, and capacity building training design and delivery. In approach to methodology, Selina brings both quantitative and qualitative expertise.

Martin Docherty: (M.Phil) Art and Design in an Organisational Context, Glasgow School of Art, BA (Hons) Politics, University of Essex, HND Business Administration Glasgow Metropolitan (formally GCFT)

Martin brings to the team an established skills base in the research and analysis of community & political action, as well as policy development. In approach to methodology, Martin comes from a social qualitative analytical research background which lends credence to the research teams’ ability to give in depth analysis of various data types and has extensive experience of supporting member group research development processes, policy development and analysis. Martin is also a member of the research ethics committee of Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh.

Previous clients include:
Communities Scotland, Scottish Council of Voluntary Organisations, and West Dunbartonshire Council

ThinkCVS are able to undertake non-voluntary sector research through our trading arm. If you are interested in using our services, please contact us

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