Step Change

What is it?

  • an accelerator of existing potential
  • consultant-led 1:1 or small group meetings over time that are facilitative rather than prescriptive
  • not a funder telling a beneficiary what to do
  • a process of development that has targets/outcomes agreed at all stages by the organisation, consultant and funder
  • those stages can be described as follows:

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Criteria for engagement

  • must be a charitable organisation that is an existing, recent or potential beneficiary of the trust
  • the initiative typically comes from FCSCT as an invitation to take advantage of an added service, but do get in touch if think your organisation may benefit from and be eligible for the process.
  • the consultant will reflect our values and modus operandi … which are:
    • Respect for the skills of charity and community leaders
    • Valuing the contribution of volunteers
    • Understanding the unique demands of the sector sector
    • Enabling learning rather than ‘doing it for them’
    • Outcome/change focussed

Targeted areas of support

As a local funder we are aware of the many challenges facing charity and community leaders but with our Step Change consultancy, we only offer support in the following areas:

  • key person mentoring and development
  • organisational development (e.g. structure, financial reporting, governance)
  • fundraising strategy
  • board facilitation (away-days)
  • strategic planning

What are we (FCSCT) seeking?

  • to ensure that any future support is used to its optimum level by higher performing individuals and organisations
  • to better equip individuals and organisations for the challenges ahead
  • to upskill the sector

The process

  • no consultancy happens without the recipient organisation agreeing to it and committing to engaging with the process
  • if the organisation is interested, a no obligation first meeting is arranged between them and the consultant.
  • if all parties agree, a consultancy agreement is then drawn up (including a plan of work over a specified time) and
    signed by the funder, the organisation and the consultant
  • any reporting back to the funder is with the explicit agreement and approval of the organisation