Third Sector leaders to get own assessment tool
29/06/2007
Third Sector specific Leadership Assessment Tool ready for launch after successful trials
The Third Sector Leadership Centre, part of the UK Workforce Hub, is poised to launch a new assessment tool geared towards helping sector leaders - from chief executives to fundraising managers - improve their performance within non-profit and volunteer organisations.
User testing
Using Capacitybuilders/ChangeUp funding of £40,000 the Centre surveyed third sector leaders and had them test existing leadership assessment tools.
Third Sector Performer Tool
The information gathered suggested that a leadership tool using appropriate non-profit environment language would be useful. This resulted in the development of the Third Sector Performer tool, which combines generic leadership/management standards with the national occupational standards for the third sector.
Benefits of the tool
"We wouldn't exist if we didn't have funding through Capacitybuilders. That has been fundamental. The real beauty of the Third Sector Performer is that it can reach across every role and can be used by any individual and any organisation within the third sector," says Tracy Beasley, Project Manager for the Third Sector Leadership Centre.
Tapping into best practice guides
The Performer tool aims to answer questions about leadership and management roles, while simultaneously accessing the Workforce Hub's database to provide the necessary best practice guides appropriate for those roles.
Recording personal achievement
It also aims to help leaders and managers keep records of personal achievements like workshops and master classes attended, which could lead to further qualifications, while raising awareness about organisations' priorities.
Reporting back
Third Sector Performer is currently being tested by leaders and managers, who are so far happy with the outcome. A final report on the project will be published on www.thirdsectorleadership.org.uk by the end of June.
Feedback from the sector
"The tool provided me with a good means of reflective self-development. I intend to hold a staff meeting where we can use this as the basis for improving the clarity of our internal communication," says Alastair McCapra, CEO of the Institute of Conservation.
Looking ahead
According to Perry Seymour, project manager for the assessment tool’s development, Third Sector Performer could be used more widely and could perhaps be a useful application for human resources divisions within the sector.
