The Wheel: Operations Plan for 2008
OVERVIEW This document has been created as a result of analysing: • The stated strategic goals and planned actions in our 5-year strategy (2007 – 2012) • The progress made, and learning taken from, implementation of the operations plan in year one of this plan, 2007 • Changes in the environment and context • The funding available to The Wheel in 2008. OUR VISION …is of an Ireland with a vibrant and dynamic community and voluntary sector, as united as it is diverse, operating at the centre of Irish life and decision making as a necessary part of a healthy democracy. OUR MISSION The Wheel is an organisation dedicated to strengthening the community and voluntary sector, focusing on organisations who seek to create a better world. We advocate for an environment that supports voluntary activity, and work to help this flourish by supporting organisations and by representing their shared interests. OUR GOALS 1. Improve the legal, political and operational environment for the community and voluntary sector. 2. Strengthen the capacity of organisations to get things done. 3. Build public support for the sector. 4. Strengthen The Wheel’s own ability to deliver. OUR PROGRAMMES We achieve these goals through the following core programme areas: • Advocacy Programme: we advocate on cross-sector issues, enabling the diverse interests in the sector to negotiate with key stakeholders on issues of common interest. Networking Programme: we facilitate the building of networks of people with common interests, and create opportunities for networking across traditional boundaries. We also maintain an up-to-date directory of organisations within the sector. Training and Development Programme: we make training available to organisations and individuals in the sector and promote the highest standards of operational excellence. Information Services Programme: we provide information tailored to needs.
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OUR VALUES • Facilitative not directive. • • • • • • • • • Valuing volunteering and the vital role it plays in a healthy vibrant community. Diversity as a strength. Evidence-based and solutions-focused case-making. Authoritative and reliable advocacy. Transparent in our decision-making. Problem-solving in our work. Professional in our relationships (internal and external). Proactive in identifying and addressing unmet needs. Collaboration-seeking in our approach. 1
The Wheel: Operations Plan for 2008 – FINAL
Strategic Goal 1: Improve the legal, political and operational environment for the sector We intend to: a) Focus our advocacy and lobbying on 6 priority policy areas: 1. charities regulation: its introduction and roll-out; 2. relationship between the sector and the state; 3. funding systems, mechanisms and levels for sector; 4. development of sector infrastructure; 5. ensuring a supportive general legislative and operational environment; and, 6. advancement of skills-building supports and standards. b) Strengthen The Wheel’s influence with key policy-makers and decision-makers by providing vigorously researched, evidence-based and solutions-focused cases for policy reform. d) Learn from other sectors, countries and perspectives. e) Involve our members and other stakeholders through innovative and effective two-way processes to identify urgent, relevant issues and how to address them. Area Priority Policy Area 1: Charities regulation: its introduction and roll-out Goals for 2008 • • • • Host a ‘learning from the UK Regulators’ event Appear before the Oireachtas Committee in relation to the Bill or meet each member of the Committee Produce a plan for “implementation issues” to be addressed when Regulator is established Commence a “Regulator Watch” service for members – to make sure we know all the issues and are prepared to advise members / feedback to regulator on emerging issues.
Priority Policy Area 2: Relationship between the sector and the state;
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Work with key organisations in the CV Pillar to devise a collective approach to getting the most out of the “Section 34” Group in Social Partnership. Seek to ensure “Section 34” group meets at least 2 times per year Establish regular meetings with the Task Force Active Citizenship office and monitor progress. Produce a 6 monthly “assessment” of the Task Force’s work in relation to the CV Sector. Produce a plan to make most effective use of “Task Force Consultative Forum” Conduct research into the effect of current funding systems on C&V organisations. Develop a coherent and well-researched case for change. Use the mechanism of the “Section 34” group to progress.
• • • • Priority Policy Area 3: Funding systems, mechanisms and levels for sector;
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Area A new Company Structure for charities.
Goals for 2008 • Consult with our members and the sector on Company Law Reform Group proposals for Company Ltd by Guarantee Form (new companies Bill to be published 2008) Work with our Charities Regulation Advisory Group to draft a wording that would “exclude” the bits of the Companies Act that we think are not relevant to charities from the bill. Invite representative from Scotland to discuss benefits / operation of the CIO legal structure Secure inclusion in Irish Times of at least 2 Op/Ed pieces OR two features in paper / Saturday magazine. Secure two radio pieces / interviews over course of year. Publish and launch the Brian Harvey research on the support services available to / required by the CV sector. Commission and publish a 2008 “state of the sector update research” with/from research. Participate with ‘UK sister councils’ in 1) identifying a framework of common research priorities and in 2) preparing a big-lottery bid to fund research. Update manifesto and re-publish. Produce a “This is what the world would look like if The Wheel’s advocacy campaign was delivered” statement. Attend regional workshops to facilitate two-way policy information provision / policy consultation flows Prepare a “pre-budget” submission and launch to TDs / etc Plan a ‘study group’ trip to Birmingham re the compact. Spearhead a programme of ‘policy leadership initiatives’ in relation to the future of the sector.
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• Media • • Research • • • General Policy
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Policy development framework
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Review process and structures for policy development ensuring appropriate communication with members as well as others. Continue to develop the Network of Interest on Charity Regulation as the base of our advocacy work on Regulation Develop Social Partnership Network to include other voluntary sector intermediary organisations: focus on raising awareness of and implementing Section 34 of T2016
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Area Partnerships and/or alliances
Goals for 2008 • Maintain regular contacts and attempt to identify collaborative work with each of Combat Poverty/ Citizens Information Board / Pobal/ Family Support Agency. • Engage collaboratively on appropriate work with the following where possible: • Carnegie Commission on Democracy • Dialogue on Democracy • Voluntary Sector Intermediary Orgs (including: Disability Federation of Ireland, Carmichael Centre, Volunteering Ireland, Boardmatch, ICTR, Community Fora National Executive, Community Exchange / ActiveLink, + others) • TCD Centre for non profit management • NICVA • Meet with Volunteer Centres Ireland and Volunteering Ireland to discuss progressing volunteering commitments in T2016 Meet with ISFC re progressing Social Finance commitments in T2016 Meet with Philanthropy Ireland and Business in the Community around promoting Philanthropic Activity in T2016 Seek places on key policy and decision-making forums, nationally and internationally. Work with UK sister councils to explore creation of a European umbrella for national cross-cutting issue umbrellas. Work to achieve closer policy / advocacy links with NICVA. Meet regularly with Government Ministers and opposition spokespersons for CV Sector re manifesto, regulation issues and any other issues as they arise Develop and implement regular communications and/or briefings with all political parties.
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International
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General Advocacy
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Strategic Goal 2: Strengthen the capacity of organisations within the sector to get things done We intend to: (a) Strengthen leadership, governance and day-to-day management in organisations to improve the effectiveness of their outcomes. (b) Help organisations adopt good practices by promoting awareness of tailored tools, techniques and procedures. (c) Foster an environment in which trust is built and organisations and their leaders have the opportunity to reflect, learn and develop their thinking and practice Area Capacity Building Goal for 2008 • Deliver an events programme throughout the year that builds capacity in the key areas of: governance, regulation, fundraising and management. • • • Information Services
Information Services continued
Identify and work, as appropriate, with key partners to advance all four themes. Develop the ‘CEO Breakfast’ concept into a ‘Leaders Network’ in the C&V sector. Continue to develop consultancy work. Develop information services for members of The Wheel as well as non-members – include website, e-bulletins, hard copy information, plus learningpoint and SectorConnector. Also to include ‘help-line’ concept as required for Vodafone. Complete the development of ‘Community Eye’ information website portal in partnership with Activelink. Complete, launch and market ‘funding point’ one-stop website for sources of funding as both a source of information and revenue. Complete the ‘ICT point’ website-based information service in relation to ICT needs of C&V organisations. Develop marketing and distribution plan for Solid Foundations – including any relevant updates and reprint. Publish Le Chéile and use it to bring in advertising revenue. Conduct and publish the sector’s first salary survey Develop publishing policy guidelines for The Wheel and implement. Upgrade www.wheel.ie to new version to enable additional features. Develop marketing plan for www.learningpoint.ie and ensure all recommendations from Evaluation report are implemented.
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• Publications • • Websites • • • •
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Area Other
Goal for 2008 • Conduct a pilot project involving ‘social networking’ software to build capacity and strengthen networking amongst the sector. • Conduct a survey of ‘Management Skills’ in the sector. (Follow on from Training Solutions survey on the training needs of the sector done in 2005) Explore the issue of quality marks to develop an in-depth understanding of what currently exists and what the options are for C&V organisations. Complete the ‘e-enablement’ pilot project which will deliver innovative ‘shared back office services’ to up to 10 groups in the first half of 2007. Develop objectives and strategy for application of private sector-type supports to C&V sector groups (e.g. Fás 70% subsidy for training programme.)
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Strategic Goal 3: Build public support for the sector We intend to: (a) Facilitate quality debate about the role of the community and voluntary sector in bringing about a healthy, democratic society. (b) Promote the importance of the sector and its distinct contribution to Irish society, building the case for philanthropy and for investment in social capital. (c) Promote the benefits of, and the opportunities for, volunteering and being an active citizen. Area The Wheel and the sector Media Goal for 2008 • Design and promote conference 2008 as a key milestone for leaders in the CV sector and policy makers, building on momentum of previous years. Build links with media and hold media briefings. Explore the potential of putting a newspaper supplement on the sector together to coincide with ‘Seeding Meeting’. - In addition to promotional campaign with local free newspapers outside Dublin. Develop a campaign concept to increase understanding and promote public awareness of the purpose and significance of the community and voluntary sector within Irish Society. Implement an ‘awards programme’ for fundraisers/fundraising (as per Vodafone commitment) Develop the awards concept for the sector together with NICVA Identify the most appropriate role for The Wheel in terms of supporting and developing programmes to enhance understanding of philanthropy and investment in the sector.
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Awards
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• Philanthropy •
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Strategic Goal 4: Strengthen The Wheel’s own ability to deliver We intend to: (a) Broaden and increase membership of The Wheel across the differing categories of organisation size and type. (b) Build greater awareness of The Wheel’s role and contribution in the sector and what it can do for its members. (c) Seek more secure funding for ourselves from government, philanthropic organisations and other sources with the strong support of our member organisations. (d) Strengthen our people, systems and administrative supports to enable us to implement this plan. Area Finances Goal for 2008 • Ensure funding relationship for salaries and other costs clearly tracked against funding streams. • Continue to develop relationships with all current donors for 2008 ensuring excellent reporting, involvement and buy-in to the programmes being supported. Develop pipe-line of potential major sponsors to The Wheel. Complete development of and implement income strategy for membership and earned income. Review costs to ensure efficiency. Implement new membership categories along with the single annual registration fee concept Design and implement 2 membership recruitment campaigns targeted at those groups, themes and geographic areas, which are not widely represented in the Wheel. Design and implement a corporate membership programme. Conduct four members briefings during the year about The Wheel and what it can offer. Design framework for involving members in development of policy. Increase profile of The Wheel for key audiences. Develop a bank of useful photographs for various publications. Complete and print annual review for 2007. Strengthen the Board of The Wheel by identifying leaders within the sector for the elections in 2008 and by reviewing co-options. Conduct annual risk assessments according to new policy and action all related actions Ensure operating procedures and policies are models of ‘best practice’. Conduct exploration into which kite-mark award would be most suitable for The Wheel to strive for.
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Budget for The Wheel: 2008 – ‘core’ plus all projects
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TOTAL EXPENDITURE
1,137,373
Committed Income Prior to start of year Pre-paid project-related funding paid in 2007 and carried over National Training Fund / Dept Enterprise Vodafone Ireland Foundation D/CRGA re Social Partnership D/CRGA re Core statutory funding Sub-total committed income Projected Income Membership Fees Services / Earned Income Corporations/ Foundations / other statutory / other Sub-total projected income
102,290 375,000 74,000 110,000 140,000 801,290
82,000 91,000 163,000 336,000
Total Projected Income Projected Surplus / (Deficit)
1,137,290 117
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