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New international network highlights what works in supporting a thriving third sector

11/30/2009

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Lessons from abroad identified by new international network

A new international network linking third sector academics across the globe has produced its first report, identifying lessons from abroad for support providers in England.

The research, commissioned by Capacitybuilders and undertaken by Cities Research Centre (CRC) and COGS, established an international network of academics and practitioners to explore different approaches to capacity building and consider how this learning could be applied within an English context.

The research identified case study examples from countries including Australia, the USA, the Netherlands and Brazil . Key recommendations included:

  • the need to join up support across sectors to maximise benefits of capacity building initiatives, avoiding fragmentation of initiatives and funding streams
  • the value of "whole organisation" approaches to the delivery of support
  • the importance of diagnosis as an essential element of successful capacity building.

Capacitybuilders will be working with CRC and COGS to identify future projects for the international network, and will be hosting a learning event on the 26th January 2010 to share learning about the overseas approaches to capacity building identified in the research report, and will encourage delegates to consider how this learning could be applied within an English context.

Matt Leach, Chief Executive of Capacitybuilders said,

"Five years after ChangeUp was launched and unprecedented investment by central government in support for the third sector, we have an emerging evidence base from work across England. But we also need to learn from the best practice in evidence overseas. We know other countries will be keen to learn from successful experience in this country. January’s event will provide a forum for exchanging ideas, experience and inspiration".

Please click on this link to read the report 'Alternative approaches to capacity building - emerging practices abroad'.