What support needs will frontline organisations require in the future?

What support needs will frontline organisations require in the future?

That’s the question that The Big Lottery Fund (BIG) are asking in their discussion paper, Building capabilities for impact and legacy. Access to funding for the sector is at a premium. With less money available to support organisations funders are looking at ways that they can make sure that the money they invest has the most impact.

That’s where this discussion paper comes in. BIG have indicated that there will be at least £20 million in the pot to go to frontline groups. In some areas, the proposed direction BIG want to take is clear, they want to:

•  develop a demand led model, where frontline voluntary and community organisations can decide on what support they need and where to get it (through a voucher system that organisations can use to buy support from a range of providers)
•  focus on supporting organisations which have received funding from BIG in the past and delivered good results; and
•  move towards a new way of working, developing new ways of delivering support (such as rationalising and improving online resources and creating opportunities for peer to peer support).

But there are key questions up for discussion in how the model works. This is an opportunity for the sector to tell BIG what support frontline organisations need and how they should get it.

We want to gain as many views as possible to inform our response so that future support to frontline organisations is accessible and can be most effective. It’s about ensuring that the right organisation gets the right support at the right time. 

So, what do you think? 

1. What are the key support needs for your organisation? 
2. What role could the private sector play in helping to develop the skills of VCS organisations? 
3. Are there any difficulties in moving to a demand-led model (like a voucher system)?
4. Should organisations funded through BIG be required to develop ways of sharing their learning with others? 
5. Are there other approaches that BIG should consider?

If you have any thoughts or comments on any of the above questions, or would like to feed in your views, email me daniel.fluskey@ncvo-vol.org.uk 

And if you want to respond directly to BIG, the full paper and set of questions are available on BIG's website.