Capacitybuilders is a non- departmental public body (NDPB) set up in 2006  to take over the management of the ChangeUp programme and to work with other funders to build the capacity of the Third Sector.  It exists to create a more effective third sector and it does this by improving support for third sector organisations.

A Change of Direction

In 2007 Capacitybuilders formulated a new strategy "Destination 2014" for the delivery of the changeup programme with the following strategic principles:

• improving support services

• being outcomes focused

• strategic engagement

• strategic delivery

From which came:

• A delivery plan

• A multi-agency consortium which developed an action plan and commissioned 1-1 interviews with local infrastructure organisations

• Project funding to:

                                    Develop BME capacity

                                    Community Accountancy

                                    Training co-ordination

                                     Volunteering Outreach

                      

When Capacitybuilders launched in April 2006, it inherited six strategically themed national 'Hubs'.  Moving from the six themed National Hubs,  National support service workstreams have been created.

National support service workstreams

National Support Service workstreams are based on consultation and assessments about where support services will need to improve to meet the changing needs of the third sector.

The level, priorities and pattern of activity in each workstream will vary , reflecting both current gaps in provision and how developed current support services are in this area. 

The nine priority areas are:

Performance management

Income generation

Equalities and diversity

Modernising volunteering

Collaboration and partnership

Adapting to social change

Marketing and communications

Campaigning and advocacy

Leadership and governance

 

Programme outcomes and activities

The main outcome against which we will seek to measure the success of the programme is that sector support services are more skilled and effective in delivering support relevant to the current and future needs of , and demands on, diverse frontline third sector organisation.

This is likely to be achieved through a combination of activities, including:

resources aimed both towards support providers, and frontline organisations that meet evidenced gaps in information and advice

development programmes for support providers, improving the skills and responsiveness of these advising and supporting frontline organisations

raising the profile of obstacles or changes to the policy environment that could assist frontline organisations

How does it work?

Each workstream is being delivered by a partnership that combines the expertise and knowledge of a range of support agencies.

Funding Commitment

£4.6 million per year has been committed to national support service investment in the three year period 2008/11.

Further information

To find out more about the background to the review of the national support services and the work carried out to date, please click on the links below:

Where we currently are

In March the Southampton Consortia was assessed as "Fit for Purpose" with a conditional grant for three years to continue the consortium work.

As seen as "Fit for Purpose" ability to apply for the Modernisation funding now available.

What happens next?

Decision from Capacitybuilders regarding Modernisation funds will be known at the end of April 2008.

For the Consortium to write a work plan for 2008

For the Consortium to work towards areas of improvement as outlined in the assessment statement received from Capacitybuilders

Modernisation Funding

The Consortia has submitted three funding applications under the modernisation programme.  These are:-

               Fit, Financial Futures a capacity building project designed to support the community and voluntary sector make a step change and become "fit for purpose" in service delivery.  This project has three key elements development of social enterprise, independent examinations, financial management training and procurement training.

Asset Maintenance and Management which will develop a strategic focus on dealing with facilities and asset management issues within the sector.

Volunteering Outreach; to build upon the effective performance to date, create greater levels of engagement with the community and recruit under-represented groups.

Where you can get further information

www.capacitybuilders.org.uk

www.southamptonvs.org.uk

www.southamptonconsortium.wikispaces.com

www.capacitybuilders.org.uk

www.raise-networks.org.uk/quicklinks/

www.volunteering.org.uk

www.performance-improvement.org.uk

www.voluntarysectorskills.org.uk

www.cafonline.org/policy

www.ictconsortium.org.uk

www.changeup.org.uk