The Partner
The Kent Children's Fund Network (KCFN) is a third sector organisation whose mission is "empowering children and young people, parents and carers to grow their potential through participation and play". They provide professional development and training for the children's workforce and play days and activities for families across Kent.
The challenge
KCFN were reliant on grants to fund their work. They wanted to set up a permanent training centre for the children's workforce and develop a business model that was financially sustainable, without reliance on grant funding.
How we are helping
"Working in partnership with the university will help us to develop a new business model to ensure financial sustainability and reduce dependency on short term grant funding."
Stephen Bell
CEO
KCFN joined the university in a Knowledge Transfer Partnership. Now, a graduate will work with them to develop a business plan, identify the market and set up and promote their new learning centre over the next year.
Having a graduate dedicated to this role will allow them to achieve goals and build capacity. The partnership has also provided KCFN with access to experts based at the University who are advising on managing organisational change, developing training programmes and researching new ideas, which will take their development forward over the coming years.
Benefits
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A dedicated member of staff to lead their project
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Additional support from University business experts
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Advice on business planning, managing change, and developing a sustainable social enterprise
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Access to education experts to research and develop new ideas
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Access to government funding
Who is involved
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KCFN CEO: Stephen Bell
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Knowledge Base Supervisor: Lynn Morris, Pathway Leader, HRM
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Lead Academic: Claire Alfrey, HOD, Childhood Studies
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Academic Support: Dr Sacha Powell, Acting Director of the Centre for Research into Children, Families and Communities
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Facilitators: Dr Terry Corner (KTP Regional Adviser); Nick Williamson (Development Manager, CEBD); Amanda Hutson (Knowledge Transfer Partnerships Coordinator)
Want to know more?
Find out how we can help you access funding and support to develop your organisation. Read more about Knowledge Transfer Partnerships.|