MANAGEMENT training firm MODAL has joined with the Western Australian Council of Social Services to create the Community Management and Leadership Program.
The program is designed to train managers in not-for-profit organisations – one of Australia’s fastest-growing business sectors.
WACOSS president Tony Pietropiccolo said expenditure on Australian community services and related activities had increased by 32 per cent to more than $12.6 billion since the mid 1990s.
“However, despite sector growth, spending has not translated to more money for not for profits but rather increased pressure on managers to make what little funding they have go further,” he said.
“This rapid expansion has placed incredible strain on sector managers who have not had the time, money or access to relevant business development training.
“Not for profit managers are expected to understand and respond to changing taxation laws, ensure contractual obligations are met and achieve the ‘bottom line’ which is to improve people’s lives while remaining viable.”
Mr Pietropiccolo said the partnership between WACOSS and MODAL address the unique concerns of sector managers.
“The skills and abilities of not for profit managers has become a critical link in ensuring the community continues to receive maximum value and benefit,” he said.
MODAL partner Bernadette Hooper said the relationship between the two organisations would benefit the community in the long-term.
“Many not for profit groups do not have access to best practice leadership development,” she said.
“We have worked closely with WACOSS for 18 months to launch a 12-month diploma of business that is applicable and relevant to sector managers.
“In support of community development, MODAL has offered its time free of charge for the program.”
There have already been 65 applications for the 15 places in this year’s training intake.
Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show Australia’s non profit institutions receive and spend more than $32 billion each year. That is 5 per cent of Australia’s gross domestic product.
Not-for-profit organisations employ more than 600,000 people, equating to 6.8 per cent of total employed persons in Australia.