Guided by a firm commitment to data-driven service planning, NCSS engages in comprehensive research across various domains related to service users and the social service sector. The research outcomes are designed to provide meaningful insights, inform policy decisions, and contribute to evidence-based initiatives led by NCSS and the Social Service Sector.
Strategic Insights for Social ImpactNCSS designs and conducts nationwide surveys of identified service users and target groups. Data collected is then analysed using various frameworks, such as those measuring participants’ quality of life, attitudes/perceptions, or compared against other datasets to track changes over time. Study findings can be found under the "Research Publications" tab. | Enhancing Research and Evaluation CapabilitiesNCSS also provides research-related platforms, resources, and tools for NCSS member SSAs to enhance their evaluation and research capabilities. These can be found under the "Research Engagements" and "Research Resources" tabs. |
Research Publications
NCSS helms flagship studies like the Quality of Life, Public Attitudes and Social Service Sector Survey series. The Sector Evaluation Framework was also launched in September 2021.
We also welcome collaborations with partners to conduct joint studies, publish papers in academic peer-reviewed journals, and present findings on shared platforms.
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Understanding the Quality of Life of Adults with Disabilities |
Understanding the Quality of Life of Adults with Mental Health Issues |
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Discover insights and perspectives in our past research publications. Explore the entire archive on Public Attitudes here!
| Understanding the Intergenerational Transmission of Criminality in Singapore | Study on the Demand and Factors to Overcome Barriers in Employing Persons with Mental Health Conditions | Employment of Young People with Mental Health Conditions |
| DV Prevalence Study (Coming Soon) | Time-use Study (Coming Soon) |
Research Engagements
To foster opportunities for collaboration and deepen partnerships within the sector, NCSS engages Social Service Agencies (SSAs) and sector professionals regularly to cross share research data, resources and best practices to encourage more effective and targeted service planning evidence-based practice in the sector.
Stay updated on our future events via our mailing list! To join, please email [email protected].
Catch up on the insights and applications of NCSS research studies discussed during past NUS SSR online seminars.
| 7 September 2022: Quality of Life of Caregivers | 7 December 2022: Social Service Sector Survey 2021 | January 11, 2023: Quality of Life of Children and Youth |
Research Resources
A first-of-its-kind online database, the Social Service Sector Repository houses rigorous research conducted by NCSS member SSAs and public service agencies, covering topics relevant to the sector.
Registration is free for NCSS member Social Service Agencies (SSAs) (one shared account per agency). Sign up for an account by filling in the registration form or check your agency's login details with us at [email protected].
NCSS subscribes to the EBSCO scholarly journal database, providing member SSAs free access to international research (one shared account per agency). To apply for a new account or check your agency's login details, reach out to us at [email protected].
Tailored for NCSS member SSAs, volunteer research consultants and academic partners, this e-newsletter consolidates and highlights the latest research findings, resources, and platforms from NCSS. To access the Research Pulse, join our mailing list by emailing [email protected].
The NCSS Ethics Review Committee (ERC) offers an accessible, timely and robust ethics review platform for research studies conducted by NCSS member SSAs. This ensures that the welfare and rights of participants are protected. Learn more about the application process and criteria.
The VRCM matches NCSS member SSAs requiring assistance with research and evaluation projects with volunteer research consultants (VRCs) in areas such as designing methodology, crafting research materials and data analysis.
You may utilise the service by filling out the Application for Volunteer Research Consultant Matching form.
Online Interactive Dashboards
As part of NCSS' efforts to make research findings more accessible, a series of interactive dashboards using data from previous studies were created. At a glance, SSAs may use the visualised data to identify and support observations on target service user needs that can be addressed through programmes and services.
Explore the interactive dashboards listed below. Watch this space as we progressively add more dashboards!
 | Interactive Dashboards:Public Attitudes towards Persons with Mental Health Conditions (2021)by National Council of Social Service (NCSS) To understand public perceptions towards mental health and persons with mental health conditions, NCSS surveyed 2,000 Singapore residents in 2021. Data collected was weighted to be representative of the resident population, and findings were compared with those from the 2017 study to measure changes in public attitudes over time. This includes examining the Affective, Behavioural and Cognitive components of public attitudes towards persons with mental health conditions in different domains. This series of dashboards give insights on whether respondents thought persons with mental health conditions faced stigma, as well as how they were viewed in different community contexts. Resources to support persons with mental health conditions are also listed. |
 | Interactive Dashboards:Quality of Life (QOL) of Children and Youth (2022)by National Council of Social Service (NCSS) The study on Quality of Life (QOL) of Children and Youth by the National Council of Social Service (NCSS) is the first nationwide study in Singapore that adopts a common framework to investigate the well-being of children and youth, both with and without health conditions (i.e., chronic illnesses, mental health conditions, or developmental or special needs). From 2018-2019, over 10,000 surveys were administered across households, schools, hospitals and social service agencies (SSAs). |
 | Interactive Dashboards:Quality of Life (QOL) of Caregivers (2022)by National Council of Social Service (NCSS) Delve into the Quality of Life (QOL) Study on Caregivers conducted in 2018. This study aims to examine the well-being of caregivers and to provide a holistic view of the aspects of life deemed important to caregivers. This is the first study in Singapore that focuses on the needs and well-being of caregivers of different groups needing help. The study serves as a baseline for future comparison, allowing changes in quality of life of caregivers to be tracked over time. This will help social service stakeholders to assess the impact of their initiatives and identify trends for future planning. |
 | Interactive Dashboards:Social Service Sector Survey (2021)by National Council of Social Service (NCSS) The National Council of Social Service (NCSS) has been empowering its members and the wider social service ecosystem to better meet the needs of service users. To examine the progress of the sector, address sector needs and be future-ready, NCSS has conducted the Social Service Sector Survey in 2021 with NCSS member social service agencies (SSAs), the general public and corporate funders. |
Sector Evaluation Framework
To introduce consistency in how programme outcomes are measured across the sector, NCSS introduced the Sector Evaluation Framework (SEF).
By providing standardised and validated metrics for each programme type, the SEF enables SSAs, funders and the government to articulate impact in the sector using a common language.
To help SSAs familiarise themselves with the SEF, we have released a guide on NCSS' approach to outcome evaluation, and some factsheets that provide more information on how the metrics were chosen for different outcomes.
