GUEST COLUMN:
Professor Daniel King FCIPD
Nottingham Trent University
I’m delighted that we launched Baromedr Cymru – the first bilingual, quarterly survey of its kind for the voluntary sector in Wales.
Baromedr Cymru gathers regular information from organisations across the country, building a consistent evidence base that tracks change, shows patterns, and helps us understand pressures and opportunities as they emerge. This kind of long-term evidence already exists in the business sector through regular barometers and surveys – and Baromedr Cymru will give the voluntary sector in Wales the same strength of voice and credibility.
For me, it is about more than collecting data. It is about working alongside people across Wales to build a picture of what life is really like for voluntary organisations, and making sure that picture is clear, accurate and trusted. The evidence we create together will be something all sectors can use to shape better decisions and stronger support.
Each wave of the survey feeds into personalised reports and interactive dashboards, so that every organisation taking part gets practical insights they can use. What’s more – funders, private sector supporters and public bodies alike can access the Baromedr Cymru dashboard to understand how they can best support charities. It could help you set your Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) objectives in line with what’s most needed and take your contribution further. Financial donations are always welcome, but voluntary organisations can also benefit from a variety of in-kind support – from pro bono consultancy, through free use of your premises, to publicity.
I’m especially pleased to be working with Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA), with support from the Welsh Government, to make this possible. Together, we are creating a tool that not only gathers data but also amplifies the voices of people across the sector – ensuring they are heard by supporters, funders, decision-makers, and communities alike.
When I speak to people in the voluntary sector, one of the questions I hear most often is: ‘How are others doing?’ With Baromedr Cymru, organisations will be able to see exactly how they compare with others across Wales. Nobody knows the importance of this better than the business owners. Spotting early trends can make or break voluntary organisations just the same.
We expect organisations to use their reports for:
- Board and trustee discussions: bringing hard data into conversations about priorities, risks, and future planning
- Funding applications: strengthen their case with evidence that shows not just their own experience, but how it fits into wider sector trends
- Team planning and reflection: use the data to sense-check whether what they are experiencing is unique to the organisation or part of a broader shift
- Conversations with partners and stakeholders: give context and credibility when talking to private sector donors and partners, local authorities, health boards, or funders
And as the dataset builds wave by wave, the value of these reports will only grow – helping us all see what’s changing, what’s working, and what needs attention.
What excites me most is that this is just the beginning. The more people who join, the stronger and more useful Baromedr Cymru becomes. This is about reducing duplication, sharing insight, and making sure voluntary organisations in Wales are seen, heard and understood.
If you are a trustee or are working with a charity partner, consider encouraging them to sign up for the Baromedr and see how they compare.
Use your business acumen to spot trends and identify where you can make a the biggest difference.
The new wave of Baromedr Cymru is open until 24 February and focuses on volunteering.
