What capacity? An exploratory study into future options for supporting frontline voluntary and community organisations

Submitted by Gordon McCullough on Mon, 09/20/2010 - 15:21

IVAR has been commissioned by ACEVO (Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations) to undertake an exploratory study examining capacity building and support for the voluntary and community sector.

This study will explore the current context in relation to capacity building in three local authority areas through an inquiry led approach. It will also consider which models of capacity building and support best meet the needs of frontline organisations.

Some specific areas the inquiry will focus on include:

  • Purpose: what is driving capacity building? What is it seeking to achieve?

  • Usefulness: how relevant or helpful has the support provided locally been? What practical outcomes, if any, have frontline organisations experienced?

  • Need: How have needs been identified up to now? By whom and on what basis? What are current needs for organisational support?

  • Form: what new structures or approaches could be developed to meet the changing needs of frontline organisations and funders in relation to capacity building and infrastructure support?

  • Delivery: what would ‘demand-led’ as opposed to ‘supply-led’ capacity building interventions - including bespoke, holistic support that encourages self-diagnosis of need – look like?

For further information about this research contact: Eliza Buckley eliza@ivar.org.uk.   

 

 

Published on 20th September 2010