Building Capabilities for Impact and Legacy - new discussion paper from BIG

One of the main objectives of the Big Lottery Fund (BIG) is supporting the voluntary and community sector (VCS) to become more effective. They want to support the development of social enterprises as a distinctive element in delivering their objectives. They say that strong organisations help them achieve better outcomes for people and communities most in need. The skills, abilities and resources of grant holders are crucial to the success of the projects they fund.

To develop their thinking on the correct approach, they have published a discussion paper

This paper is for voluntary sector and social enterprise managers working in both frontline and infrastructure support and development organisations. It sets out their overall approach to ‘building capabilities within voluntary organisations’, and gives an opportunity for voluntary and other organisations to influence this approach.

This discussion paper includes a number of questions, which you can respond to through an online survey. You can respond to these questions between now and 15th March 2012. They will then publish a revised paper after this time, setting out more details of their plans for funding.

Questions include:

* How can BIG ensure that frontline organisations have the information that they need to be aware of the most effective ways of developing their capabilities and choose the right provider?
* Should BIG consider any other approaches to enable frontline organisations to choose the support that they need?
* Should BIG require frontline organisations which receive support to develop ways of sharing their learning with others? How can they help them do this?
* What are the key support needs which you think frontline organisations may require in the future?
* What role could BIG play in enabling social enterprises to secure investment?
* Are there particular support services which could not be funded through a demand-led approach? If so, what are they and why?
* How can BIG get the balance right between encouraging providers to co-operate and rationalise existing services and allowing frontline organisations to choose the right provider?
* What are the key areas where support providers could themselves benefit from advice and support?
* What role could the private sector play in helping to develop the skills and resources of VCS organisations and social enterprises?

Building Capabilities for Impact and Legacy