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New research demonstrates third sector organisations can build capacity using private sector methods

10/30/2009

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Alternative approaches to capacity building

A new report, Alternative Approaches to Capacity Building – Practices in the Public and Private Sectors, has been published by Capacitybuilders. The research was conducted by the Centre for Enterprise and Economic Development Research at Middlesex University and the Third Sector Research Centre at the University of Birmingham.

Matt Leach, Chief Executive of Capacitybuilders said:

"We know that the third sector is having a difficult time in this recession. 78% of service providers have experienced an overall increase in demand for their services, 14% of these believe they are coping ‘not very well’ or ‘not very well at all’ and 29% are considering cutting staff. It is in light of this that Capacitybuilders is helping third sector support providers through the recession with programmes such as the Resilience Fund and the Modernisation Fund Grants programme. However, we want to know what more can be done to help third sector organisations through these tough times."

Best practice case studies identified

The research identified a range of case studies where best practice between the sectors could be shared.

Rockstar Group provides invaluable development support services for new and expanding businesses. This enterprise support model is based around the business mentoring service which connects clients to successful high flyers with specific sectoral skills and market segment specialisms. Business mentoring can be an invaluable service, especially as up to 75% of businesses cease trading within the first five years. Rockstar has a desire to help address the needs of the third sector and adapt their services for third sector managers and enterprises.

The Association and Community Based Business Advisors (ACBBA) work in the knowledge that third sector community and voluntary organisations can benefit from a more ‘entrepreneurial’ approach to finding and generating revenue streams. This project aims to create a new business support infrastructure at community level which is accessible to disadvantaged groups. This model is also capable of flexibility to address the enterprise and skills requirements of specific localities and market segments.

Leach added:

"These are only two of many approaches which the research has uncovered. It is exciting that many of these models are adaptable to the third sector. Over the coming months Capacitybuilders will be disseminating the research to improve support for third sector organisations, and to encourage a more effective third sector."

Where to find the report

Please click here to read the full report Alternative approaches to capacity building - practices in the public and private sectors.