NETWORK SERVICES - PLANNING AND TRAINING
The Network has introduced three new services to Network members. Currently these services will be offered free as part of Network membership.
Workshops will generally be delivered by Trish Curtis (Network Coordinator). Trish has many years' experience working in the community education and neighbourhood house sectors, as well as with various not-for-profits, local government, and government agencies. Her work includes community engagement, facilitation, governance development, and strategic and business planning.
Strategic planning
The Network can provide Strategic Planning workshops for boards and committees.
Network Coordinator, Trish Curtis, is experienced in strategic and business planning, and has worked with a number of Neighbourhood Houses, Learn Locals and other organisations to develop their strategic direction and plans.
Governance training
Good governance is critical to the success of any Neighbourhood House. When the governance isn't working well, at best it adds little or no value to the House activity; at worst it presents a significant risk to the ongoing operations of the House, and can be its downfall. How well does your committee/board function? Do you feel that you work well together and add value collectively to your organisation? Or are you just a 'rubber stamp'?
The Network can deliver governance training that builds on the basic information provided in the Governance Orientation, and provides the opportunity for discussion about issues the committee/board may be facing, and collective problem solving. It is an opportunity for more experienced committee/board members to share their wisdom, and also hear about the challenges of coming onto the committee/board with little or no governance background.
Training will be based around the principles of good governance for NFPs, and tailored to your needs.
The Network cannot offer mediation or conflict resolution for committees/boards; however, links to relevant resources can be provided.
Risk planning
Good risk planning and management is essential to any Neighbourhood House, but is an area that is sometimes overlooked or avoided. Many organisations focus on the operational risks, such as worker safety, but don't consider and plan for the organisational risks, such as loss of funding.
The Network provides a basic risk planning workshop that will assist Committees/Boards and management in assessing the organisational 'risk appetite', identify the key elements for a useful Risk Policy, and identify the key organisational risks.