IYVS's work is grounded in evidence. We research gaps in SEN youth volunteering, evaluate what works, and develop policy recommendations based on findings. Below is an overview of our research and key learnings.
Key Findings
1. SEN Young People Are Underrepresented in Youth Volunteering
Neurodivergent and disabled young people participate in youth volunteering at lower rates than their peers. This isn't because they don't want to participate — it's because mainstream provisions aren't designed for them.
Implication: Expanding access requires intentional design, not just accommodations.
2. Volunteers Lack Training for Inclusive Practice
Most volunteers receive no training in neurodiversity awareness or inclusive practice. When they work with SEN young people, they're often unprepared and unsupported.
Implication: Systematic training and capability-building is essential.
3. Specialist Provision Works
When programmes are intentionally designed with neurodivergent needs in mind from the start, participation and outcomes improve significantly. Zanshin Archery demonstrates that alternative provision is both feasible and effective.
Implication: We need more specialist provision alongside inclusion efforts in mainstream settings.
4. Environment Design Matters Enormously
Small changes to environments — sensory considerations, predictability, clear communication — dramatically improve participation and experience for neurodivergent young people.
Implication: Inclusion doesn't require huge investment — intentionality is often more important than money.
5. Systems Don't Prioritise SEN
Despite policies around inclusion, few youth organisations have systematic approaches to SEN support. This reflects broader lack of priority rather than lack of willingness.
Implication: Systemic policy change is needed to move from intention to action.
Our Research Areas
Volunteer Experiences & Needs
We're gathering data on what volunteers experience when supporting neurodivergent young people. Questions we're exploring:
- What are the main challenges volunteers face?
- What support do they need?
- How do training and frameworks affect their confidence?
- What leads volunteers to stay vs. leave?
Alternative Provision Effectiveness
We're evaluating Zanshin Archery and similar models to understand:
- How do outcomes compare to mainstream provision?
- What design features drive success?
- How scalable are these models?
- What are the cost-benefit implications?
Systemic Barriers & Opportunities
We're examining what prevents inclusion at a systems level:
- What policies and structures inhibit SEN inclusion?
- Where are leverage points for change?
- How do funding structures affect what's possible?
- What are best practices in other sectors?
Policy Recommendations
Based on our research, we recommend:
For Youth Organisations
- Implement neurodiversity awareness training for all volunteers
- Audit your environments and practices for inclusion
- Develop SEN-specific policies and frameworks
- Build flexibility into programme design
- Create feedback mechanisms with neurodivergent participants
For Funders
- Prioritise funding for SEN provision development
- Require SEN inclusion plans in grant applications
- Fund specialist programmes as well as mainstream inclusion
- Support research and evaluation on what works
- Enable long-term funding to support systemic change
For Policy Bodies
- Include SEN inclusion standards in youth volunteering guidance
- Mandate training in inclusive practice
- Support development of specialist provision models
- Create accountability mechanisms for inclusion commitments
- Fund research on systemic barriers and solutions
For Volunteers & Communities
- Seek out training and resources on inclusive practice
- Advocate within your organisations for better SEN support
- Share your experiences and learnings
- Connect with other volunteers building inclusive provision
- Hold organisations accountable to inclusion commitments
Publications & Resources
We share our findings and frameworks through various formats:
- Blog posts and case studies on our insights and learnings
- Best practice guides (see Best Practice Guides)
- Research reports and policy briefings
- Presentations and workshops for organisations
- Collaboration with academic researchers and publications
Stay updated on our research by subscribing to Field Notes.
Get Involved in Our Research
We welcome input from volunteers, organisations, and researchers. You can:
- Participate in research studies or surveys
- Share your experience and insights
- Partner on research collaboration
- Contribute to developing frameworks and guidance
- Help us identify gaps and priorities