The Chartered Institute of Fundraising (CIOF) has asked fundraisers to complete a survey as the membership body plans to develop a new offer of professional development support.
CIOF, which plans to introduce individual chartership for fundraisers, is considering developing “a series of professional development pathways that outline the ways a fundraiser can continuously grow skills, knowledge and experience”.
While CIOF currently offers several fundraising qualifications, leadership programmes and other resources, it aims to find “where the current gaps are in learning, and find out more about what skills, knowledge and behaviour fundraisers believe are core to the role” through the survey.
This comes after CIOF recently vowed to change public perceptions of the profession as part of its new 10-year strategy.
Fundraisers have until 31 October to complete the survey and do not need to be CIOF members.
Equity, access and professionalism
CIOF’s recently appointed head of learning Clare Worgan said: “The first key stage of the review is to listen to the sector and understand what’s happening by hearing directly from the people doing the work every day.
“Since starting my role at the Chartered Institute of Fundraising three months ago, I’ve spoken to a number of fundraisers and there are three key themes emerging as guiding principles for the review.
“First, there’s equity – we need to think about who already accesses learning, what is working well and what isn’t working so well.
“Whose experiences and needs aren’t currently reflected in professional development offers.
“Then there’s access itself – what makes learning feel possible or impossible for different fundraisers depending on cost, geography or the organisation they work for.
“And finally, there’s professionalism – we need to work towards ensuring fundraising is recognised and valued as the skilled, purposeful career we all know it is.
“This learning review also includes something that many fundraisers have already asked for – chartership pathways.
“These pathways will offer fundraisers who want to formally demonstrate excellence in their practice a clear and achievable route to do so – whether you’ve built your expertise through academic qualifications or hands-on experience, there will be options to suit your journey.
“The Chartered Institute of Fundraising is a charity – and we exist to support the fundraising profession, in the same way that the fundraising profession exists to support people or communities in need, but that will only work if our direction is shaped by fundraisers themselves.
“So, my call to action is simple – if you are a fundraiser, no matter how long you’ve been in your role, please take a few minutes to complete our learning survey and help us shape the way your professional development looks in the future.”
