Explore International Approaches to Third Sector Support

Thought provoking discussion and a range of global perspectives.

The International Approaches to Third Sector Support event, hosted by Capacitybuilders on the 26 January, provided delegates with a unique opportunity to hear and explore capacity building issues from a global perspective.

The event was centred around the recent research report published by Capacitybuilders and shared learning from four case studies; each looking at overseas approaches to capacity building.

Following a presentation from lead researcher; Joanna Howard and Marilyn Taylor (Cities Research Centre and Communities - CRC - and Organisations Growth Support - COGS) delegates heard from; 

• Udan Fernando, Senior Consultant at Context, international cooperation, based in the Netherlands, presented on the Civic Driven Change model to capacity building 

• Associate Professor Wendy Earles from James Cook University in Australia on the Australian Funding brokerage partnership model

• China Brotsky, Managing Director of Tides Shared Spaces, based in San Francisco, shared her expertise on the Incubator approach to support 

• Idil Sheytanoglou, freelance consultant and associate of the Management Centre of the Mediterranean and Brenda Lipson presented on the Cypriot Civil Society Strengthening Programme.

A question and answer session, chaired by Ben Kernighan – NCVO’s Deputy Chief Executive - followed the morning presentations, which led onto some interesting discussions over a networking lunch.

During the afternoon workshop sessions, delegates were able to explore the case studies in more detail, discussing the theory and particle application with the presenters, and how the ideas could resonate with work here in England. These workshops proved extremely insightful, with common themes arising, including the importance of building trusting relationships between frontline organisations and support providers.

Overall the day was a resounding success, with many attendees expressing their satisfaction at the relevance and educational value of the event and a desire for more events like it in the future. Capacitybuilders’ partners for the event were ACF, NCVO, ACEVO and Euclid Network.

The full report “Exploring International Approaches to Third Sector Support” is available here, as well as copies of the presentations from the day.

For further information about this event please sign up to the event networking site at www.improvingsupport.ning.com