The Centre for Community Sector Development is an initiative of the Illawarra Forum Inc and the Community Services Section of TAFE NSW Illawarra Institute. The Centre broadens the role of the former Community Management Support Unit which provided management support to committees of management of community organisations in the Illawarra over the last twelve years. We provide assistance to community organisations consisting of:·

• Individual support to organisations on issues associated with management, administration and service delivery processes·
• Facilitation of planning and evaluation days (a fee for service applies based on a sliding scale)·
• Facilitation of change management processes·
• Developing partnerships·
• Developing governance according to the organisation’s constitution·
• Provision of information and resources that assist organisations with current issues·
• Learning and development opportunities

The assistance is provided to organisations to achieve positive, realistic and viable outcomes within a defined timeframe. Optimism, good will and the commitment of the participants are essential in this process. The role of participants will be clearly defined: employee, committee member or representative of the funding body. The organisation’s committee must be represented by four or five members. The Centre cannot provide assistance in situations where there is industrial conflict; where there are illegal practices; or where intervention is the clear responsibility of the funding body.

Centre for Community Sector Development Fees.

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Frequently Asked Questions about the Centre for Community Sector Development

Q 1 What kind of assistance can community organisations get from the Centre for Community Sector Development?

Centre facilitators can assist in planning days network meetings, collaborative projects and strategic meetings. Alternatively the Centre can take a brokerage role linking up organisations and groups to private facilitators

Q 2 What does the facilitator actually do?

Facilitators have a leadership role, Firstly, the facilitator designs processes for groups and organisations. She consults with the parties involved to ensure the process will best meet their needs. She ensures that the process is respectful, dynamic, inclusive and enables the group or organisation to meet its stated objectives. Finally the facilitator records the content of the session and writes up the results into a document that can be used by the organisation, for example, a strategic plan or report on the planning process.

Q 3 How does the facilitator actually work with the organisation?

The facilitator will work from a base of social justice. This means enabling the participation of those involved; valuing and respecting all contributions; challenging attitudes or actions that might exclude or marginalise the contribution of participants or discriminate against them; and creating opportunities for exploring issues and finding solutions.

The Centre defines the purpose of facilitation as providing a structured, dynamic process that engages participants, provides opportunities to think critically and strategically and draws on participants’ strengths and passions.

Q 4 How does facilitation bring about change?

A facilitated process should produce concrete outcomes so that action can be taken to consolidate the aims or objectives of the organisation.