Cardiff Third Sector Council (C3SC) Market Research Report
Background
Overview
Cardiff Third Sector Council (C3SC) is the County Voluntary Council (CVC) for Cardiff, serving as the umbrella organisation for the city's third sector. Established in 1997, C3SC provides specialist advice, support, and information to local third sector organisations on issues such as funding, governance, volunteering, and participation. The organisation's mission is to enable a thriving community of services, community action, and volunteering by offering effective support, resources, and an influential collective voice for the third sector and volunteering in Cardiff.
Mission and Vision
- Mission: To enable a thriving community of services, community action, and volunteering by providing effective support, resources, and an influential collective voice for the third sector and volunteering in Cardiff.
- Vision: A strong, diverse, and relevant third sector in Cardiff.
Primary Area of Focus
C3SC focuses on supporting and developing Cardiff's third sector, which includes voluntary organisations, community groups, social enterprises, and other not-for-profit entities. The organisation offers a range of services, including:
- Setting up community groups
- One-to-one specialist support
- Funding and sustainability advice
- Training and networking opportunities
- Trusteeship and governance support
Industry Significance
As the County Voluntary Council for Cardiff, C3SC plays a pivotal role in strengthening the third sector by providing essential infrastructure support. The organisation facilitates representation in strategic partnerships, such as the Cardiff Partnership Board, and channels policy information to ensure decision-makers understand the needs of third sector groups in Cardiff.
Key Strategic Focus
Core Objectives
- Support and Development: Assist third sector organisations in Cardiff to establish, sustain, and grow their operations.
- Representation and Advocacy: Ensure the third sector's voice is heard in strategic and planning meetings, influencing local policy-making.
- Capacity Building: Enhance the knowledge and skills of third sector organisations to meet community needs effectively.
Specific Areas of Specialisation
- Community Group Formation: Guidance on setting up and developing community groups.
- Specialist Support: One-to-one assistance tailored to organisational needs.
- Funding and Sustainability: Identifying and securing funding opportunities to ensure organisational sustainability.
- Training and Networking: Providing training sessions and networking events to foster collaboration and skill development.
- Governance and Trusteeship: Support in establishing effective governance structures and recruiting trustees.
Key Technologies Utilised
C3SC employs various digital tools and platforms to enhance communication and service delivery, including:
- Cardiff Community Platform: An online space designed to support third sector organisations in Cardiff, facilitating networking and collaboration.
- WhatsApp Communities: Utilised to create dedicated spaces for members to connect, share information, and collaborate effectively.
Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted
C3SC primarily targets third sector organisations operating within Cardiff, including:
- Voluntary organisations
- Community groups
- Social enterprises
- Not-for-profit entities
The organisation also engages with public service providers to ensure the third sector's needs are understood and addressed.
Financials and Funding
Funding History
C3SC has a history of securing significant funding to support its operations and the third sector in Cardiff. In the previous year, the organisation helped third sector organisations secure over £1 million in funding.
Recent Funding Rounds
Specific details regarding recent funding rounds are not publicly disclosed. However, C3SC continues to collaborate with various partners, including the Welsh Government and Cardiff Council, to secure funding for third sector initiatives.
Notable Investors
C3SC's funding sources include:
- Welsh Government
- Cardiff Council
- Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
- Other public and private sector partners
Intended Utilisation of Capital
The funds secured are utilised to:
- Provide support and development services to third sector organisations
- Offer training and networking opportunities
- Assist in funding and sustainability efforts
- Enhance governance and trusteeship within the sector
Pipeline Development
Key Pipeline Candidates
C3SC's pipeline development focuses on:
- Community Group Formation: Assisting in the establishment of new community groups.
- Funding Initiatives: Identifying and supporting new funding opportunities for third sector organisations.
- Training Programs: Developing and delivering training sessions to build capacity within the sector.
Stages of Development
C3SC's initiatives are at various stages, including:
- Planning: Identifying needs and designing appropriate programs.
- Implementation: Rolling out support services, training sessions, and funding programs.
- Evaluation: Assessing the impact and effectiveness of initiatives to inform future development.
Target Conditions
The organisation addresses conditions such as:
- Limited capacity and resources within third sector organisations
- Challenges in securing sustainable funding
- Need for effective governance structures
- Demand for training and capacity-building opportunities
Relevant Timelines
Specific timelines for initiatives are determined based on the nature of the program and the needs of the organisations involved. C3SC regularly updates its members on upcoming events, training sessions, and funding opportunities.
Technological Platform and Innovation
Proprietary Technologies
C3SC has developed and implemented:
- Cardiff Community Platform: An online space designed to support third sector organisations in Cardiff, facilitating networking and collaboration.
- WhatsApp Communities: Utilised to create dedicated spaces for members to connect, share information, and collaborate effectively.
Significant Scientific Methods
C3SC employs service design methodologies to enhance its services, including:
- User-Centered Design: Focusing on the needs and experiences of third sector organisations to inform service development.
- Co-Design: Collaborating with members to co-create solutions that address specific challenges.
AI-Driven Capabilities
While specific AI-driven capabilities are not detailed, C3SC's adoption of digital tools and platforms indicates a commitment to leveraging technology to improve service delivery and member engagement.
Leadership Team
Key Executive Profiles
- Sheila Hendrickson-Brown: Chief Officer since July 2012, leading the organisation's strategic direction and operations.
- Anthony Thomas: Director since May 2018, contributing to governance and strategic planning.
- Claire Chick: Project Development Manager, responsible for developing and managing key projects.
- Sian Johns: Project Administrator, providing administrative support for various initiatives.
- Emma Tamplin: Operations Officer, overseeing day-to-day operations and service delivery.
- Matthew Edwards: Volunteering Officer, coordinating volunteer engagement and support.
- Kailee Carella: Volunteer Centre Coordinator, managing volunteer services and partnerships.
- Thoria Mohamed: Third Sector Officer, supporting third sector organisations with tailored assistance.
- Caroline Hardy: Third Sector Officer, providing support and guidance to third sector organisations.
- Magdalena Thomas: Volunteer Centre Support Officer, assisting in volunteer centre operations.
Leadership Changes
Specific details regarding recent leadership changes are not publicly disclosed.
