Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do C3Perform tools fit with other performance improvement systems?
  • How is it different from PQASSO?
  • How does this link with strategic business planning?
  • Can this be used with very small or new organisations
  • Do we need to be clear about our mission and vision before embarking on performance improvement work?
  • Do we need to be clear about our mission and vision before embarking on performance improvement work?
  • We don’t have time or capacity to do this? How is this going to help us?
  • How will this help us to overcome our funding crisis?
  • Do I have to use the full C3Perform workbook?
  • Is there any danger of provoking conflict?

    • 1. How do C3Perform tools fit with other performance improvement systems?

    C3Perform tools have been designed to help third sector organisations embark on a journey of performance improvement and quality management. Its flexibility enables organisations of many types and at different stages of development to tailor an appropriate and achievable approach that matches their capacity. C3Perform is based on the EFQM concept that underpins most public and private sector quality systems. C3Perform tools can be used along- side specific quality standards and can help organisations prepare for most quality systems.

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    2. How is it different from PQASSO?

    PQASSO (a practical quality assurance system developed by the Charities Evaluation Service for small voluntary organisations) is a popular quality standard for third sector organisations. The C3Perform approach should not be seen as an alternative to PQASSO, rather it can be used to work towards achieving PQASSO or other quality standards. It offers a quick process that can help organisations get started on PQASSO, which can take several years to achieve. C3Perform tools are results orientated and focus on continuous performance improvement, so they contribute towards organisations developing internal systems for improvement.

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    3. How does this link with strategic business planning?

    C3Perform tools help organisations focus on using results strategically to improve. However, the tools can also be used to help organisations to write or re-write a business or strategic plan and ensure that it is relevant, comprehensive, useful and owned by paid staff and volunteers. By conducting a self-assessment of performance before embarking on business planning,organisations can:

  • Review what works and what does not within an organisation to provide a solid foundation for the business planning process.
  • Identify tasks in an Action Plan that need to be completed to write a business or strategic plan - for example: reviewing mission, vision and values; assessing profitability of products and services; conducting a stakeholder analysis.
  • Ensure that business plans set targets and put in place systems for reviewing progress against the plan in a ‘results orientated’ way.

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    4. How does this fit with other business adviser tools?

    C3Perform tools do not have to be used as part of a specific performance improvement approach but can be used alongside other business support tools. Conducting a quick assessment using C3Quick Perform or C3Perform Workshop helps to transfer knowledge and embed good practice within organisations. For example, C3Perform tools are particularly effective at:

  • Assessing capacity for new ventures, products and services.
  • Encouraging the development of systems for continuous improvement and development, for example: setting up systems for collecting feedback; setting up databases and customer care systems; taking a long term approach to market research and promotion; effective financial monitoring and planning,
  • Organisations that use the C3 approach can use their learning to inform and drive their use of the wide range of support and advice available, such as Leadership training, HR support, marketing and fundraising.

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