I can’t count the amount of times I’ve been asked by Third Sector Organisations (TSO’s)large and small, of all types and legal formats “Do we really need a Vision, Mission and Values statement”?
My answer has always been the same. It’s not a question of need – TSO’s are founded on these, they’re essential.
Vision
I won’t do a masterclass in a blog – that’s why I consult and have produced my Guide that is available for purchase soon. Briefly, a Vision is what you will see (hear/feel) when you complete your Mission. It is the change your TSO was set up to deliver.
Mission
Your Mission is described in your Governing document, probably at number 3 or 4 in the Clauses. It normally starts with the word “To” and includes the change words that describe the actions your TSO needs to undertake to realise your Vision. Enshrined in Charity Law these change words are often like “relief (of), advancement (of) promotion (of)”. And so on. They are often called “purposes”.
Learning
When I deliver training sessions to members of the governing body of any TSO, one of the first questions I ask is “what are your (TSO’s) purposes?”. I have grown to expect more blank looks than answers over the years. This says something about how our Sector inducts people – or doesn’t. I’ll post a blog on this in the future
Values
Every TSO when it establishes by definition establishes a set of values. They may not be defined, but again they are baked in to the TSO’s Vision and Mission. They are often about fairness, justice, respect, and nowadays more often, love. The clever folk call these things “nominalisations” – things you can’t put in a wheelbarrow.
Values are the glue that binds your volunteers, staff (if you have them), trustees and in most cases your beneficiaries, commissioners or customers.
Guide and template for good Governance
My soon to be published guide will explain how you can easily identify your Vision, Mission and Values, why they are so important (not just to your TSO internally) along with everything else you need to know or do to comply with your Governance Code. If you want an early copy, use the contact page and…… contact me.
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