PENGUPAYAAN TERAS MASYARAKAT

Building Capacity - Progress
On this page:
Information Gathering
Summary of Findings
Current Capacity Building Initiatives
Information Gathering
In April and May 2005 information about resources and services available to organisations was collected for a joint FACS and OCVS project. Gaps in services and opportunities to improve access to information and resources were also identified.
Information was gathered by:
business processes and planning
a community information sheet inviting suggestions and feedback
interviews and discussions over 50 stakeholders and community groups.
Results were used to shape proposals for practical support.
Summary of Findings
The Summary of Capacity Building Needs and Opportunities (October 2005) report reflects themes and information gathered throughout the joint project.
Six key areas were identified where access to information and resources can be improved. These are:
business processes and planning
policies and procedures
employment/human resources
financial management
governance
IT/knowledge management.
Opportunities to strengthen the provision of information and resources include:
Written resources and toolkits focusing on best practice information and case studies
Advisory services providing face-to-face information and advice
A clearing house providing a central point for accessing policies, news, regulation changes etc.
An information and referral helpline
Peer-to-peer support networks and mentoring
Shared services such as HR, IT and financial advisers or specialists and facilities such as photocopiers, buildings, storage and administration.
Download A Summary Report on Needs and Opportunities in word - 431kb
Current Capacity Building Initiatives
In response to information and support required, FACS has set up the following initiatives:
Managing Well: resources for community and voluntary organisations published August 2005
Feedback on the first edition has been very positive and most copies have been distributed. A review of the first edition is being conducted to identify improvements. A second edition will be produced later in 2006.
A joint project with Local Government and Community at Department of Internal Affairs in 2006 to rejuvenate the comprehensive Community Development Resource Kit
An updated version of the existing Community Development Resource Kit will help ensure current information on setting up and running groups is freely available to anyone who needs it, such as community workers, advisors and resource people.
The opportunity to update the kit as a joint project appealed to both agencies and means scarce budgets and time can be maximised.
Family and Community Services recognises the importance of face-to-face advice and support, so is also looking at ways to improve access to mentoring and other advisory services.