This research briefing discusses the potential for generating socially impactful projects and research through the sharing of resources and knowledge in charity-academia partnerships. The knowledge and resources of the respective sectors are, in many cases, complementary. This is particularly evident with regards to how their topic-specific expertise, knowledge of policy processes, access to research databases and social networks, if combined, can result in powerful, well-informed and evidenced projects. There are numerous benefits of charity-academia partnerships for both parties. These benefits range from greater (evidenced) impact of projects to new ideas that can result in further engagement. Indeed, through the sharing of resources and knowledge, transformative work can be achieved, benefiting the individual actors involved, the wider sectors and society at large. People Know How’s Connect Four network is built on this conviction and is a positive example of what cross-sectoral partnerships can look like in practice.
