Higher education fundraising workforce review
The Pearce Report on Philanthropy to UK universities stated an ambitious target of gifts of £2 billion a year by 2022. To meet this goal the workforce of educational fundraisers needs to double – or preferably to triple.
The Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) recognised that to achieve this target the higher education fundraising workforce of the future needed to be strengthened. Following a rigorous tendering process, More Partnership, in partnership with recruitment consultants Richmond Associates, have been commissioned to make recommendations on the future career development and training options for the fundraising workforce in higher education.
Professor Shirley Pearce, Chair of the Philanthropy Implementation Group set up by HEFCE to implement the recommendations of the Pearce Report, commented:“UK university fundraising is increasingly professional but not yet well recognised as a profession. Our goal is to unlock even greater philanthropic support for our universities. To do this we need to find ways to build a respected profession that attracts, develops and retains the very best staff.”
Scheduled to report early in 2014, the evidence-based review will draw on both qualitative and quantitative inputs from a wide range of experience in the sector and beyond. It will focus on four areas:
|
– |
Understanding the career paths within the sector and how these can be made attractive to talented people from inside and outside the sector; |
|
– |
Developing recommendations for the training and development of the philanthropic workforce in higher education, including exploring the desirability of professional qualifications; |
|
– |
Identifying the skills, attitudes and competencies required for successful fundraising at key levels of progression through a fundraising career; |
|
– |
Tools and guidance to help institutions to recruit, retain and promote talent. |
Rebecca Rendle, Managing Partner of More Partnership, added “A shortage of fundraising practitioners is a brake on the ability of universities to continue the momentum in philanthropic fundraising. It is exciting that for the first time the sector is taking a cool and considered look at practical ways to attract and enhance fundraising talent”.
If you would like to know more or participate in the survey, use this link
