Collaborating in Extraordinary Times

The Centre for Voluntary Sector Leadership (CVSL), one of the academic centres of excellence in the OU Business School, is actively taking part this month in both Volunteers’ Week and Small Charity Week.

Small Charity Week begins on Monday 15 June and runs until Saturday 20 June. CVSL is running an online event which focuses on the challenges associated with the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic in England, supported by two local charities in Milton Keynes – MK Community Foundation; and Community Action: MK.

As we progress further out of lockdown while maintaining restrictions on our movements and activities, the event looks at what the impact has been on organisations and what the future is likely to hold. CVSL Director Dr Carol Jacklin-Jarvis has taken part in recorded discussions with the Chief Executive of Community Action: MK, Clare Walton, and the CEO of MK Community Foundation, Ian Revell. The work of other academics associated with CVSL is also explored via research-informed online resources to help understand some of the challenges and to prepare for the future.

There is a live ‘lunch and learn’ free session on Thursday 18 June from 12:30 where academics will respond to questions submitted throughout the week via the website.

All the available learning activities for the week, including how to sign-up for this live lunchtime event, is on the CVSL website.

Visiting Research Fellow Dr Fidèle Mutwarasibo wrote a blog for the recent Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June) which includes links to resources specifically developed to support the voluntary sector.

Upcoming Events

Mar 10

Doing Academia Differently: Professional Development Symposium for Doctoral Students and Early-Career Academics

Tuesday, March 10, 2026 - 09:00 to 17:00

Michael Young Building, The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, MK7 6BB

This one-day symposium on ‘Doing Academia Differently’ will provide inspiration and support for PhD and early-career academics to approach the complex tensions and dilemmas of contemporary academia in new and creative ways.

Mar 12