Which Way Now – Day One
A Quality Workshop from SEDA
Workshop Objective
For the VCS organisation:
By the end of the workshop, the attendee will be equipped to demonstrate the need for future planning and facilitate and enable future planning for a VCS organisation through a structured discussion and decision-making process.
For other organisations:
At the end of the workshop the attendee will be equipped to help and support VCS organisations as they plan for the future.
Workshop Summary
This is a one day workshop and is the first part of two one day workshops. VCS organisations are constantly urged to plan for a future where grant funding is well below today’s levels. There is, however, confusion in many VCS organisations and few have the luxury of the time and resources required to conduct planning and maintain day to day operations.
This workshop, in conjunction with the associated Day Two session, offers a new perspective on the changing VCS environment and shows clearly how a simple planning process can secure funding, build confidence and strengthen sustainability.
It also provides useful insights into the nature and impacts of change as there is little doubt that the VCS and the public sector is facing unprecedented changes that impact on virtually all aspects of the industry.
Workshop Content
What People Are Saying – a review of recent research that explored the thoughts and feelings of those in and around the VCS as grant funding recedes.
Policy Context – this is a review of the key policies and initiatives that will impact on the VCS. What is the role of the Office of the Third Sector? Will Lyons be significant? Does “place shaping” mean an opportunity? This section offers a different perspective for the VCS and invites attendees top consider a new position and role for VCS organisations. A role supported by the legislative landscape.
Change Management – providing an insight into the impact that change has on individuals and organisations. It also suggests models and techniques that can be used to manage the impacts of change to allow VCS organisations to adapt to the changing world whilst maintaining service delivery standards.
Gaining Buy-in – it is important that everyone in the organisation is behind the need for a review and a future plan. This section provides hints and tips aimed at gaining this all important buy in.
Where – Have we Been/Are we Now – the first part of the practical planning process. This shows how a simple time line can help bring the organisation together and, at the same time, document its achievement track record. Further it demonstrates how simple it can be to create the organisation’s CV and how this can be very useful in attracting funds.
What – Do we Want to Be/Do we Want to Do – The second part of the practical planning process begins to look at the future. The philosophical issues that must be faced as the “voluntary” blurs with the advent of notions such as social enterprise and the constant demands for “greater professionalism” are explored. This section also introduces a simple model to develop and describe the services the organisation wishes to deliver in the future and how these might be funded.
Trading or Grant Aided – The Continuum – discussion of the many “models” that may be adopted by those in the VCS.
Review & Action Planning – a recap on the key messages of the day and an opportunity for individuals to plan the actions they will take to exploit the new learning.
Workshop Methods
The workshop is based around information provision, understanding and rehearsal. Information is presented in short interactive sessions with discussion and questions actively encouraged. Simple but challenging exercises are used to get attendees using the information to check understanding and to provide a “safe” practice environment.