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Rather than merely focusing on a Quality Mark, the ILCM Capability Model 'bottles' the process of Community Development Work. It has been refined and continually developed through the grass roots support that our partners have provided to community and voluntary groups.
The Capability Model's levels prioritise the work needed to be done by a group to become capable to acknowledged, appropriate standards. For example, at Level Two, you would expect a group to be constituted and have a bank account and all the necessary capabilities to manage grants under £5,000. By the time you get to Level Five, groups have to demonstrate they have the systems and capabilities to manage a portfolio of over £1m.
The implications of this mean there are three ‘faces’ to the ILCM Capability Model:
1) Our system informs Groups. It gives them a pathway on which to travel forward. It also demystifies Community Development Work and enables groups to see further ahead and the distance that they need to travel. Groups can then make an informed decision about how/whether to take on additional responsibilities, collect together the right resources for their journey and prepare manageable timeframes and expectations. It also informs groups what training may or may not be suitable for them at that point in time; For example, at Level Two committee skills should be prioritised over Project Management – it makes sense of the chaos of training offers that land on their door mats.
2) It is also a tool for Community Development Workers and Local Infrastrcuture Organisations, enabling your staff to explain what competencies groups will have to demonstrate, and why, before they can realise their expectations; helping you to encourage groups to walk before they can run! Community Development Workers and their groups can then move forward together on a clearly recognised, understandable and agreed path. You can then organise appropriate training to meet group’s essential needs and know they are likely to attend.
3) The Capability Model system is very attractive to Commissioners and Funders as they are able to benefit from having an external Assessor assess the capability of a group in a transparent way, against acknowledged criteria. From their point of view, the risk of them investing inappropriately is significantly reduced. It also reduces their workload – as you are doing their work for them. ILCM's Capability Model has already worked with various Funders and Commissioners who have felt the benefit of this model – and paid LIOs for this benefit. It also means that, with Funder endorsement, more groups want to use this way of working.
Let us support you in restating the value of what you do and redefining the value of Community Development.
ILCM is committed to the Voluntary and Community Sector. As far as we’re concerned, the potential of the Capability Model system will only be realised if we share what we have learnt with you. We want to ensure that the whole sector benefits from increased sustainability and security. So we’d love you to become one of our Assessment Centres, and deliver our service as part of the work you already do. the Institute is not profit driven; we’re driven by our commitment to the sector and by our desire to become secure and sustainable, just like you.
The way the Capability Model is designed, Your VCOs will understand the pathways towards capability and their expectations will be managed. They will feel happier, in control and will flourish.
In addition, ILCM provides numerous tools and support for your work:
- Toolkits to help VCOs with common problems such as Data Protection and Partnerships
- Ongoing technical support
- Support to help you write funding applications which will use the Capability Model
- Support with engaging your local Commissioners and Funders.
- All ILCM Assessment Centres have a free assessment at Level 4 – so that you’re seen to practice what you preach and also understand the model first hand.
So, with our tried and tested method of delivering the work you already do, with a three day induction course and lots of support and additional tools we can significantly help your organisation:
1) Bring in significant and diversely sourced income
2) To become recognised, respected and understood
3) Effectively and efficiently focus on changing the quality of life in your communities and unleash the power of the sector!
Please
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