Following the mid-point review of our five year strategy we’ve been seeking feedback from clients, staff and volunteers on how they think Action Foundation is performing.
It’s been a big consultation exercise and we’re delighted at the level of engagement we’ve had. It’s clear people are really keen to have their say – and that’s just the way we want it to be.
The main themes arising from the consultation sessions and surveys we conducted are outlined below, but it was especially heartening to hear that staff, volunteers and clients consistently experience a culture of dignity and respect at Action Foundation.
Duncan addressing one of the consultation meetings
Action Foundation CEO Duncan McAuley said: “There were some rich and open conversations face to face, as well as written responses via the survey, all of which have been combined to give a valuable insight into what our staff, volunteers and clients are thinking.
“Action Foundation is committed to exploring these issues and shaping up actions accordingly. We will be in touch again later in the year to share what we’ve been doing on the themes identified.
“Thank you again for your time during this process and, as always, thank you for your energy, generosity and support!”
The main findings
- Staff, volunteers and clients reported that they consistently experience a culture of dignity and respect.
- Project capacity is continually stretched to meet high levels of demand.
- Our volunteers are highly engaged in their roles and projects but would like to feel more connected to the wider organisation.
- The increase in lived experience representation is a positive, enriching step forward for the organisation and it will be important for this increased involvement to develop into and foster genuine inclusion.
- A balance between investing resources now and into the future is required.
- There is a good connection with each of the current strategic priorities with ‘investment in internal capacity and capabilities’ and ‘investment in existing and new services’ seen as the highest priorities for the years ahead.
- Opportunities to feed back were welcomed but development work is required to ensure processes are meaningful and robust.
- More could be done to maximise volunteer involvement and impact across services.
