Building Blocks
Posted 10 January 2007
Building Blocks
developing second tier-support for frontline groups
Many second-tier organisations face difficult issues of quality, credibility and overwork, CPF report reveals
Second-tier organisations (STOs) are operating in a very difficult environment with pressures on them from all sides, while attempting to manage high expectations and heavy demands. Many, including councils for voluntary service (CVSs), face difficult issues of quality, credibility, conflict of interest and overwork, and a number of CVSs seem to have lost their sense of purpose and focus, according to a new report published by City Parochial Foundation.
Among their recommendations, the authors state that over time, funding should increasingly be directed to frontline groups. They will then be in a stronger position to purchase the help they need, from whichever source can best provide it.
Commenting on the report, Maggie Baxter, Chair of City Parochial Foundation said: "The report identifies a number of issues and provides a 'warts and all' view of the sector. The authors have provided a range of constructive recommendations which provide a programme for action - not just by the STOs themselves but by funders, third-tier organisations, the Charity Commission and Capacitybuilders. We do not expect everyone to agree with all of the findings and recommendations, but we do hope it will start a debate and lead to significant improvements in how infrastructure support is provided and funded."
The report is being circulated to a wide range of organisations in the voluntary sector and will be discussed at a conference in London on Thursday 1 March. If you would like to attend the conference please e-mail: buildingblocks@cityparochial.org.uk. Places are limited, so please let us know whether you would like to attend as soon as possible.
Copies of the full report and a summary of Building Blocks are available from City Parochial Foundation, 6 Middle Street, London EC1A 7PH. Telephone 020 7606 6145.
The document can be downloaded below in pdf format; (download free PDF viewer)
