The third sector is usually defined by what it is not! It comprises of organisations that are neither part of government (widely defines) nor of the commercial, for-profit sector.
As such its decisions cannot so easily be judged against the criteria of either political ideology or profit. Moreover, it has a wide range of organisational forms, including charities, community groups, voluntary societies, each with their own governance arrangements.
It therefore presents unique challenges and opportunities for the operational researcher.
OR in the Third Sector (ORiTS) is open to anyone with an interest in the subject. It aims to help analysts working in, or with an interest in, third sector organisations to do a better job, ORiTS comprises analysts from both OR and other related disciplines that use similar tools, techniques and approaches.
It meets periodically, usually with speakers with specialist knowledge of the sector. Those meetings also provide an opportunity to network with others, to exchange experiences and offer mutual support.
For those working in charities, NGOs, and the wider third sector, OR68 offers a space to explore how analysis can support mission-driven decisions under tight constraints. The conference brings together practitioners and researchers to share practical approaches to prioritisation, impact measurement, and service design, helping organisations make the most of limited resources while staying focused on people and outcomes.
Book Here
The OR in Third Sector SIG (ORiTS) welcomed Miles Weaver to its event.
This session explored how OR professionals could make an impact by joining charity boards as trustees, aligning with their interests and values. It covered governance, diversity, and the skills needed, continuing a long tradition of supporting charities through ORiTS, the OR Society’s Pro Bono scheme, and the Making an Impact theme at the annual conference. ORiTS aimed to encourage members to apply their OR/analytics expertise in governance roles.
If you aren't already member and would like to have access to a whole range of benefits, why not join today?
JOIN NOW