In 2012 York Consulting was commissioned by VCS Learning Solutions to evaluate their Turbo-charging Skills Programme, which led to the funding of a PG Cert. in Leadership and Management for the voluntary sector. These slides are from York Consulting's presentation at the Leading Edge conference on the main findings from the evaluation.

1. James Ronicle
York Consulting LLP
13th December 2012
York Consulting LLP Smithfield House, 92 North Street, Leeds LS2 7PN
Tel: 0113 2223545, Web: www.yorkconsulting.co.uk

2. Introduction
Funded through Reviewed
Big Lottery BASIS effectiveness,
Programme impact &
sustainability
Aim: Enhance
skills & capacity of
Managed by VCS Turbo- VCS in NW
Learning Solutions, Qualitative
delivered by Edge charging through improving Evaluation Document Review
leadership & Research
Hill University Skills management &
driving up QA.
Funded PG Cert.
in Voluntary
Sector Learner Survey
Management

3. Comparing with Alternative Provision
“The course provides a unique offer.” (Evaluation Report)
• Compared course with 13 similar courses:
 Only accredited ‘advanced’ course specific for VCS managers in NW
 Significantly lower costs
 Strong collaborative approach between VCS & HE

4. Course Content & Structure
“The course content is highly suitable to the needs of the voluntary sector.”
(Evaluation Report)
Strategic Business & Financial Planning Managing People
Modules
Networks, Partnerships & Stakeholder Relations Voluntary Sector Governance
• Well researched in collaboration with sector “It was all very relevant.”
• Meets national priorities (Learner)
• Meets local needs
Learning points:
• More opportunities to tailor course to specific learner needs
• Stronger practical focus

5. Learners’ Experience
“Most learners were satisfied with the results/outcomes of the course and its
delivery.” (Evaluation Report)
5% 17% Strongly agree
12%
Agree
14%
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree
52% Strongly disagree
Strengths:
• Monthly day schools
• Good teaching standard
“It was a positive experience.” “It’s a brilliant opportunity.”
(Learner) (Learner)
Learning points:
• Flexibility compromised some delivery
• Registration/administration problems

6. Impact on Learners
“The course has benefited learners from many different organisations.” (Evaluation
Report)
• 68% satisfied/very satisfied with results/outcomes from course
• Increased knowledge & deeper understanding
• Increased confidence in abilities & current approaches
“She’s grown in confidence and risen to the challenge.” “My role as a trustee is more effective due to the
(Manager) knowledge base I have gained.” (Learner)
Sharing of good practice with other
course members
Agree
Learning from the assignments will
influence the work I do in future Strongly agree
Deeper understanding of issues I was
aware of already
Something to add to my CV
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70

7. Impact on Organisations
“Learners are confident that the benefits they have gained will impact on their
organisation and beneficiaries.” (Evaluation Report)
Improved recruitment & retention of volunteers, trustees
and/or board members
Agree
Better stragegy and/or business & financial planning
Strongly agree
New/improved partnership working and networking across
the region
Exchange of good practice
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
“We are now recruiting and retaining
“I am engaging the LA in work around volunteers.” (Learner)
co-production which has been strongly
influenced by my learning.” (Learner)

8. Impact on Stakeholders & Wider Sector
• Wide impact across range of individuals and organisations likely to have
impact for VCS in NW as a whole
• Creating legacy of VCS learning provision:
 Helped VCS Learning Solutions develop & providing more VCS
learning courses
 Increased Edge Hill’s commitment to support for learners in VCS

9. Conclusion
Met overall aim of enhancing skills & capacity of VCS in NW through improving
leadership & management & driving up QA
• Unique course filling a gap in NW
• Overall programme delivered well; relevant course content & good
delivery, though some teething problems
• Impact on learners’ knowledge & confidence meaning making more
informed decisions
• Good impact on organisations’ internal processes, strategies & partnership
working