An important theme in the leadership lexicon whether in the public or voluntary sector is that of Building Capacity.
Enabling organisations to take on responsibilities – sometimes from the state - and deliver a truly local but sustainable response.
The Next Five Years is an excellent resource which I have used extensively in schools and in recent years in voluntary organisations to connect with the people who give of their time to improve the quality of life for those they choose to serve.
As Head (for 29 years) of Foxdenton School in Oldham - a large Special School supporting children with special medical, physical or learning needs - it was fundamental in our quest for excellence and underpinned the accolades for service which accrued during that time, including
Three Charter Marks,
Investors in People,
the Unisys Service Excellence Award,
the British Quality Award and the
European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) Prize for the Public Sector.
It was also a brilliant resource when I was asked to help a struggling school through a challenging year. In two half hour sessions we outlined a 160 point plan which carried us successfully through an Ofsted Inspection.
In more recent years as Company Secretary
of two charities - serving school children and homeless persons respectively - I
have introduced the tool and used it very successfully with both, in order to
draw into our planning process Trustees, staff, volunteers and the adult
clients. It certainly does what the author claims.
It enables Trustees or the Leaders of committees to make informed decisions about the direction the organisation should travel and engages those within the organisation to feel that they are involved and empowered – of vital importance when there are so many demands on their time and such diverse opportunities to serve.
The Next Five Years is a resource I can
fully endorse and wholeheartedly recommend.
It really works and helps you "Make a Difference"
Mel Farrar M.Sc., M.Ed., FCMI
Head Teacher Foxdenton School 1972 – 2001
Former Chairman of Oldham Family Health Services Authority
Consultant (National College for School Leadership)
and Tutor/Mentor/Facilitator for Leadership programmes provided by the Centre for Educational Leadership at Manchester University