NFP Expert Advice Exchange Launched
21 May 2015 at 12:36 pm
The NSW Government, via the Office of Social Impact Investment, has launched an initiative to connect social sector organisations with pro bono expert advice from professional services firms.
The Government has established an Expert Advice Exchange (EAX) platform to connect Not for Profit organisations with pro bono advice from 23 law firms, professional services firms and financial institutions.
The experts will provide advice in:
- procurement and tendering
- business case development
- governance
- program design and evaluation
- business planning and strategy
The Government announced via its online Social Impact Investment Knowledge Hub that the EAX is designed to help Not for Profits and social enterprises participate in new ways of funding social services in NSW, like outcomes-based contracts and social impact investment.
It said eligible organisations will be matched and referred to a participating firm that can provide the support needed. The panel will also recommend the number of hours of engagement.
The first round of applications will be announced in late July, with two more application rounds to be held later this year.
“The success of the EAX depends on the commitment and mutual obligation of everyone involved. Firms are contributing significant pro bono resources and substantial goodwill to the initiative,” the statement said.
“All participating organisations should be equally committed to working together to get the most out of the EAX.
“Under the scheme firms agree to commit a certain level of pro bono resource, which will be allocated among eligible Not for Profits and social enterprises.
“The focus is on providing eligible organisations with a sufficient level of understanding on relevant legal and financial issues, governance, business strategy and systems. This will better equip them to grow, up-skill and participate in new approaches such as social impact investment..
“The NSW Government is committed to collaborating with the social and private sectors to design and deliver services that achieve better outcomes for individuals, families and communities.
“This social impact investment approach looks to make best use of the expertise, resources and scope for innovation that the government and non-government sectors can bring to meet community needs and tackle social problems.
“The social sector is already a critical partner in service delivery in NSW, and this role will only grow over time. Some Not for Profits and social enterprises are well-placed to respond to opportunities for growth and to work in a way that focuses on outcomes. Others will need support to do this, even though they may have great potential to deliver high-quality and innovative services.”
The Government said the NSW Treasury will also participate, providing advice and training on business cases and cost benefit analysis.
Download application form and return it to the Office of Social Impact Investment by 17 June 2015.
A panel will assess applications against eligibility criteria outlined in the EAX brochure.
For more information,contact the office via email or on (02) 9228 5333.
