C3 Partnership

C3Perform tools and the work of the C3 Partnership was tested over three years locally, nationally and internationally with pre-start, new start and existing third sector organisations.

During the programme, organisations could access a range of services including one-to-one support from a Performance Improvement Advisor; C3 funded performance improvement training; and the opportunity to attend the award winning performance improvement working groups. C3 beneficiaries included equalities led voluntary sector organisations, such as Well Women, who work around health issues of women from black and other minority ethnic communities; co-operatives, such as Art and Power, who support and empower people who want to be involved in art; social enterprises, such as Sofa Project, who recycle and restore furniture. Most beneficiary organisations had an annual turnover of between £50-£250,000; had between 2-5 paid workers; and were more than 2 years old. However, the approach was also successfully tested with organisations with over 80 members of staff.

Performance improvement processes are open and valuable to all kinds of organisations, whether at the beginning of their development, when PI practices can be embedded right from the start without any existing activities to reflect upon; or when a mature organisation is at a crossroads, contemplating future mission, funding or income generation, and past activities.