We all seek to run an organisation that is sustainable. One that can be maintained at a certain rate or level, often one that needs to grow at a reasonable but sustainable level. So, what does that mean for an organisation?
Certainly, it is about continuity in terms of funding and continuity in terms of meeting the communities’ needs. But what does an organisation have to do “managerially” to get there? If we look at capacity building what would be the final stage in that building programme for development? The organisation would be managing resources effectively and efficiently and would be adapting to change through continuous development of itself. It is the second part of being able and having the flexibility to adapt to change and being able to find the time and resource to develop that makes it so difficult in achieving real sustainability.
At Sobus, we have designed a 5 Stage approach to Capacity building: Organisational Development – Sobus
Having met the 4 stages earlier you would be progressing as an organisation through stage 5. These would be the indicators to meet, remembering that many structures would have been put in place during Stages 1 –4.
Stage 5
5.1 The organisation is adapting to the environment in which it operates and uses its resources in such a
way that the organisation continues to develop further.
5.2 Strategic planning beyond 12 months is carried out whereby there is vision, clear organisational
values and clarity about how the organisation will progress and develop.
5.3 Effective measures are in place to evaluate the organisation’s performance
5.4 The Board is clearly aware of its skill set and how it should improve for the benefit of driving the
organisation forward
5.5 The organisation uses volunteers to enable it to add clear value
5.6 The organisation has policies, structures and processes in place for effective people management
5.7 The people of the organisation can provide flexibility to enable the organisation to meet varying
priorities
5.8 The organisation develops its people in such a way that they contribute to the organisation’s own
plans and development
5.9 The organisation evaluates its position and is taking steps to continuously improve
Are you at Stage 5? If so get in touch with Nigel at Sobus for a discussion about how it was achieved and what others can learn from that achievement. Email: nigel.jacques@sobus.org.uk
