PBE’s research and policy team uses the toolkit of economics to better understand and support the social sector.
We build on the insights derived from our charity projects to investigate how social sector organisations can get the most out of their resources. We develop ideas to support a thriving civil society and use data to grow the evidence base for action.
PBE analysis, commissioned by the Disabled Children's Partnership, of the costs of SEND tribunals between local authorities in England and parents and carers of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilites (SEND). Read more
PBE's latest analysis of local authority spending on children's services in England between 2010-11 and 2021-22. Read more
The third instalment of the quarterly VCSE Sector Barometer shines a spotlight on the volunteer recruitment and retention challenges faced by charities, against a backdrop of high demand but cautious optimism. Read more
The final report for the Law Family Commission on Civil Society focused on Northern Ireland calls for greater collaboration between the public, private and social sectors in the country. Read more
The final report for the Law Family Commission on Civil Society focused on Scotland calls for greater collaboration between the public, private and social sectors in the country. Read more
The Q1 2023 VCSE Sector Barometer shines a spotlight on the recruitment and retention challenges faced by charities, against a challenging financial backdrop and high demand. Read more
Following two years of research, the Law Family Commission on Civil Society, carried out by Pro Bono Economics, has published its landmark final report. Read more
This latest research for the Law Family Commission on Civil Society explores the importance of productivity in the social sector and the vital work required to boost it. Read more
After years of decline in formal volunteering, new survey data and polling suggests a rise in 2023. Read more
The Q4 2022 VCSE Sector Barometer shows rising demand, rising costs, income deterioration and service cuts in some organisations. Read more
New survey data reveals how the charity sector is struggling to adapt to the rise in energy bills, including some charities most critical to the response to the cost of living crisis. Read more
Wellbeing measurement offers a way to calculate cost-effectiveness of charity interventions, as this new guide shows Read more
Drawing from a wide range of sources such as sector experts and infrastructure bodies, we highlight the four main barriers to more effective grant-making and recommendations to improve it. Read more
New PBE research for the Law Family Commission on Civil Society calls for the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to mandate training on philanthropy advice for financial advisors, among other recommendations. Read more
An analysis for Hestia looking at how extending the right to work to all potential survivors of modern slavery could generate significant economic benefits to society. Read more
High levels of inflation are set to persist for some time. This briefing, in partnership with CAF, sets out the challenges for charities' staff, volunteers, beneficiaries, donors and finances. Read more
New PBE research for the Law Family Commission on Civil Society analysing the size of the pay gap between the charity sector and the rest of the economy. Read more
New research assessing the cost of foundation funding applications Read more
An analysis of spending on early and late intervention services for children and young people in England over the last decade. Read more
Boosting collaboration between the government and the philanthropy sector is essential to growing charitable giving. Read more
PBE's analysis of the Chancellor's Spring Statement and the latest OBR figures, what they mean for the people charities serve, charity demand and finances. Read more
New analysis on the cost-of-living crisis' impact on low-income households and the charities supporting them. Read more
Charity Finance Group (CFG) and Pro Bono Economics (PBE) have published an Economic Outlook Briefing for the charity sector. Read more
This new PBE study for the Law Family Commission on Civil Society is the most comprehensive review of the social sector’s interactions with policymakers ever conducted. Read more