PQQ Workshop

In spite of major traffic problems - inevitable regardless of route selected - I finally made it to the PQQ course in a Heathrow hotel.

Initially thought I was in the wrong place until the trainer volunteered that we had been supplied with the slides for the tendering workshop. So more note taking needed, but extra information supplied - a bonus really.

Not many people from third sector organisations - or from partnership/consortium facilitators. However, that added to the richness of the experience. The trainer has worked in local authority procurement, with a wealth of practical knowledge.

A good investment of time - for a significant return in knowledge. Thanks BIP.

New opportunity - lunchtime programmes for working parents

Networking today with a former colleague - and uncovered a potential opportunity that would combine both our skill sets and meet the needs of working parents.

Developing a programme of lunchtime workshops for employees, to be delivered on business premises. Covering a range of family related topics - and tying in with the organisation's community responsibility needs. Between us we have expertise in a number of relevant areas - and have connections to fill any gaps.

Lots more aspects to this - and an embryonic business plan is in place. Next stop - research the market, secure the resources, develop the product, make the contacts, pilot and promote.

Setting up a new charity

Am just spending a few hours on a workplan to set up a new charitable organisation. The charities commission is extremely helpful in this regard - and confirms that this is the way to go.

Looking forward to some initial exercises with those already keen and involved - to ensure that the formal documents do not constrain any future activities.

So many aspects to cover - and challenging.

My role? To take on all the legal and process requirements. Get the organisation into good order. Attract funding. Release those that are visionary to enthuse others and deliver services.

Fundraising Skydive!

Wow - that was pretty amazing! Skydiving from 12,000 feet to raise money for local disability charity IPOP (Inclusive Play Opportunities Project). 23 of us jumped today (24th April) - including local charity campaigner Lisa Connell. Raised a lot of money - and were featured in a TV documentary as well.

Thanks to everyone who sponsored me!

Thanks HAVCO

Bernice and I met with HAVCO's Sue King today to explore the different models of operating for WAVE.

WAVE is a fledgling organisation that will provide social opportunities for disabled young adults in Harringey and the local area. Bernice is the driving force behind WAVE and is drawing together a team of people to take the planning to the next level. Putting ourselves on a formal footing will help to address funding issues - and enable us to work more effectively with potential partners.

Much of what HAVCO told us today will also be applicable to Barnet Community Projects - and there were some very useful tips and exercises that both organisations can undertake to ensure that there is clarity over the core purpose for each organisation.

Three different meetings - three different directions

Today was the wrapping up and signing off day for the CVS competency framework assignment. This has been a piece of work that has evolved organically over the months. Totally appropriate. New elements of participation were introduced at different stages in the development of the competencies for each of three job families in the organisation. It has been really important that the staff and managers have shaped the framework so that it really reflects their views and has a distinct stamp on it.

My second meeting was about a new assignment to support the development of a brand new, community lead organisation providing three services that local residents have said that they want. So the initial focus will be on determining what kind of organisation this should be - and to register accordingly so that funding applications can be developed. Everything from governance, CRB checks, insurance, premises, staffing, policy development and banking will need to be addressed. A big challenge - and a huge learning opportunity. Watch this space for developments over the next 6 months.

Finally, a third meeting - also about the development of a new organisation, in a different borough, providing social opportunities for disabled young adults - who appear to be underserved at present. The starting point will be some mapping work - to see who else is offering services locally, and to identify potential partners. The second stage will be a creative consultation with disabled young adults to ask them:

What makes them happy?

What they like to do with their friends?

What they want to do more of?

This will drive the shape of the organisation and the kinds of services it will provide.

We are also exploring the possibility of creating some learning opportunities eg making and maintaining friendships, romance and relationships, staying safe on-line - the kinds of skills that people usually acquire by trial and error as they grow up, but that disabled young people often miss out on.

So all in all - a very busy and exciting day - with three very inspiring and creative meetings.

InterChange

A very wide ranging conversation today with InterChange's Training and Development Manager.

We were exploring the possibilities of working together in the future - and the different ways in which this might work. InterChange can provide in depth training, coaching and development interventions for organisations. Associates with specialist skills and areas of knowledge work with clients according to their needs. It is a very participatory style of working and results in tailored solutions with real ownership.

InterChange also offer legal services to charities, venue and events management and have a thriving creative arts organisation - WAC.

Check the InterChange website for details of their services - www.interchange.org.uk

Looking forward to more conversations over the next few months.

A new assignment and a new direction for Flourishing

Some exciting news today, as Flourishing takes on a mapping project for University College London.

It involves a worldwide survey of universities to identify students who may be interested in studying a new Masters course. We'll produce a spreadsheet of data that can be turned into a mailing list - so that this course can be marketed to those studying relevant undergraduate courses.

Fascinating new area of work - that builds very logically on the research and mapping projects that we have delivered in the past.