Academia must support the voluntary sector to embrace change
The voluntary sector has traditionally been very poorly served by academia. While other industries are supported by an array of universities who produce graduates with robust knowledge and qualifications that aid their career progression, the voluntary sector has been overlooked.
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The Cinderella nature of the sector is reflected by the fact that very few universities offer courses in voluntary sector management. Yet, with charity leaders facing unprecedented challenges, they are arguably in greater need of more professional development than their counterparts in industry.
The number of universities offering courses and qualifications in voluntary management, leadership development are few and far between. In UK Universities there are less than 10 centres which focus on research and/or teaching about the charity sector. While the body of sector knowledge has grown and there has been an increase in research activity, higher education for the sector it still a cottage industry.
The voluntary sector is distinct, with its own unique issues and differences, but the value of investing in leadership and management training within charities hasn’t been realised. Compared to their private and public sector counterparts, the money spent on the management development of voluntary sector staff is less than a quarter.
The sector has contracted and expanded according to the wishes of government but, with new funding models like social finance becoming more widely available, things are changing. There will be an increased demand for leadership and professional development in the sector, particularly in areas like social investment and social impact. To be successful, a major investment in education at an advanced level that is comparable to a commercial MBA is required. Organisations and funders wishing to engage in this new form of finance will have to invest in capability at an executive level.
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The gap in the market for professional development was even more pronounced 20 years ago. At this time, our founder Prof Ian Bruce, who was then director general of the Royal National Institute of the Blind, compared his own management development gained in the private and public sectors. He was so frustrated with the lack of professional development courses for the charity sector, he decided to do something about it.
Fortunately, his idea for the centre at Cass Business School was fully supported by the faculty and City University London. Ten years ago, it also received – and continues to do so – financial backing and support from the Worshipful Company of Management Consultants, a modern livery company of the City of London.
The goal then and now was to offer the nonprofit sector the same quality of leadership and management development that the private sector enjoys, and to enable great leadership and transformation in the sector.
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Our range of courses is evolving continuously in line with the changing needs of the sector. For 2015, a social investment and impact service has been launched to help nonprofits maximise the funding opportunities in the social investment market, demonstrating a commitment to future ground-breaking collaborations.
Looking ahead, the sector is undergoing continuous transformation and a new government will no doubt bring further changes. To adapt to this ever changing environment, leaders in the sector will continue to need academic and practical support.
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