Over the past year, the Commission for Victims and Survivors has been collaborating with VSS and community partners to develop a research programme focused on the ongoing needs and experiences of victims and survivors of the Troubles/conflict.

This work forms part of VSS-PULSE – Partnership for Understanding, Learning, Support and Education. VSS-PULSE is a £21.7 million project supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), and led by the Victims and Survivors Service (VSS).

The research will help build a stronger understanding of the issues affecting victims and survivors. The findings will be used to inform our advice to government and help shape future policy, services and support.

The early stages of the project involved reviewing the evidence already available, identifying gaps and working with community partners to agree where further research could add value.

In May, we held an information session which brought together representatives from the research, academic, voluntary and community sectors, both in person and online. It gave us an opportunity to provide more detail on the planned research programme, explain the tender process and hear from those interested in the work.

The tender for The Needs and Experiences of Conflict/Troubles Bereaved Families research was published in June and closed on 5 August 2026.

This research will look at the experiences and ongoing needs of people bereaved as a result of the Troubles/conflict. It will also consider where there may be gaps in current support and what can be learned to help improve future policy and services.

An evaluation panel has now been established to review the tender submissions. We hope to announce the successful research team soon, and look forward to moving into the next stage of the project.

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