Programme Specification for Voluntary Sector Management - First Steps University Certificate
|
Final award |
University Certificate |
|
Intermediate awards available |
None |
|
UCAS code |
N/A |
|
Details of professional body accreditation |
N/A |
|
Relevant QAA Benchmark statements |
Politics |
|
Date specification last up-dated |
December 2003 |
Profile
The summary - UCAS programme profile
BANNER BOX:
First Steps is a programme designed to build strong voluntary organisations that are credible, viable and sustainable. This programme offers a framework for building on experience, critical thinking and developing practical capabilities and new ideas.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
We welcome students who are engaged in running a small voluntary and community organisation and who can demonstrate an openness to learning and a commitment to implementing what they learning to strengthen their organisation. The assessment of their experience is judged to be at an equivalent to 'A' level.
ABOUT THE PROGRAMME
What is Voluntary Sector Management?
First Steps is a programme in voluntary sector management. The programme covers topic areas that enable students to critically reflect on the credibility, viability and sustainability of their voluntary or community organisation and identify solutions to difficulties their organisation faces.
Voluntary Sector Management at UEL
This is a unique programme run by people with practical experience of running a voluntary organisation for people that want to build a strong organisation that draws on their own experience and understanding of the challenges their organisation faces.
We learn by analysing the unique situation of each organisation, by sharing solutions and applying models and ideas in ways that are appropriate.
The programme is run by the First Steps team from Community Links, and is validated by UEL. UEL's Centre for Institutional Studies in the School of Social Sciences , Media and Cultural Studies provides the link into the University and its procedures.
Upon successful completion of the programme, participants can consider other s programmes for people from the voluntary and community sector which are offered by the Centre for Institutional Studies within the School of Social Sciences , Media and Cultural Studies and wider UEL provision.
The certification and credit points gained through the programme should also be recognised as a contribution towards entering programmes of higher education at other institutions, depending on their procedures and admission requirements.
Programme structure
The programme is a one year part-time programme. It is delivered on two days a month with organisation tasks that enable students to take back and apply the learning in their organisation. The process leads to a presentation to a panel of professional funders of their development plan and resource raising strategy.
Learning environment
Training sessions are delivered primarily as group work problem solving sessions and work-based learning.
Assessment
The assessment is based on four pieces of course work set in the context of a portfolio:
- two assignments (Tasks 3 and 6) which constitute plans for strengthening the participant's organisation.
- a personal development plan
- an organisation's development plan and resource raising plan, which is presented to the panel of funders as part of the assessment process.
The portfolio provides evidence of how participants have implemented their learning to strengthen their organisation.
Work experience/placement opportunities
Since students are expected to take back what they have learned back into their organisation and facilitate a process to strengthen their organisation, work experience is fully integrated into the design of the programme.
Project work
The student is required to devise a development plan and resource raising strategy to present to a panel of funders. This represents an opportunity to work on a development idea, research the need for the project etc.
Added value
The various elements of the programme provide an opportunity for students to engage with real issues in their organisation and apply existing skills and develop new skills based on a deeper understanding of effective management. It equips students to gain practical experience of problem-solving which enhances their experience in the workplace.
IS THIS THE PROGRAMME FOR ME?
If you are interested in...
- Community - based organisation
- Involved in community regeneration and renewal
- Services for marginalized communities
- Community based leadership
- Managing a small voluntary organisation
If you enjoy...
- Working out a solution to a problem
- Working in groups
- Sharing your skills and knowledge
- Learning from others
If you want...
To enhance your understanding of organisation change and development and develop new ways of tackling problems that your organisation faces.
Your future career
Careers in community-based agencies, regeneration partnerships, voluntary sector organisations, housing and social care are being recognised - and advertised - more than ever before. Government social policies and community-based initiatives are creating new forms of action and service-provision and require more people with knowledge of organising at community level and in partnership projects.
How we support you
Working with facilitators in peer-led discussions and workshops
Bringing facilitators' practical experience into the classroom
Sharing ideas and knowledge
Outcomes
Programme aims and learning outcomes
What is this programme designed to achieve?
This programme is designed to give you the opportunity to:
To equip students from small voluntary organisations with the skills and understanding to ensure their survival and development in the present climate of change by enabling them a practical understanding of managing change within their organisation.
What will you learn?
Knowledge
- evaluate existing systems of management and be aware of current models of good practice
- enhance their awareness of issues that impact their community
Analytical and investigative skills
- develop an ability to critically reflect upon their own experience
- understand how different funding bodies work and how best to engage with them
Subject-Based Practical skills
- develop strategies that work best for them and their organisations and develop plans for implementation
- develop an appropriate approach to financial management for their organisation showing an ability to plan, formulate policy and good working practice in their own organisation
- prepare and submit a proposal for raising resources for a specific area of development
Skills for life and work (general skills)
- confidence in applying your own criteria of judgement and in challenging received opinion and in reflecting on action
- confidence and flexibility in identifying and defining complex problems and in applying appropriate knowledge and skills to propose solutions
Structure
The programme structure
Introduction
All programmes are credit-rated to help you to understand the amount and level of study that is needed.
One credit is equal to 10 hours of directed study time (this includes everything you do e.g. lecture, seminar and private study).
Credits are assigned to one of 5 levels:
- 0 - equivalent in standard to GCE 'A' level and is intended to prepare students for year one of an undergraduate degree programme
- 1 - equivalent in standard to the first year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
- 2 - equivalent in standard to the second year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
- 3 - equivalent in standard to the third year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
- M - equivalent in standard to a Masters degree
Credit rating
The overall credit-rating of this programme is 60 credits at level 1 for the Certificate in Voluntary Sector Management.
Typical duration
The typical duration of this programme is one year part-time.
How the teaching year is divided
The teaching year is divided into two days a month of full-time study over one academic year. A typical student will study 20 credits per term of roughly equal length spread over 2 semesters.
What you will study when
This programme is part of a modular degree scheme. A typical full-time student will take six 20 credit modules per year. An honours degree student will complete six modules at level one, six at level 2 and six at level 3.
It is possible to bring together modules from one subject with modules from another to produce a combined programme. Subjects are offered in a variety of combinations:
- Single - 120 credits at levels one, two and three
- Major - 80 credits at levels one, two and three
- Joint - 60 credits at levels one, two and three
- Minor - 40 credits at levels one, two and three
Modules are defined as:
- Core - Must be taken
- Option - Select from a range of identified modules within the field
- University wide option - Select from a wide range of modules across the University
The following are the core and optional requirements for the single and major pathways for this programme
Part One: Quality and Equality
Part Two: Strategic and Organisational Management
Part Three: Marketing and Resource Raising
| Year | Module title | credit | status |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Quality and Equality |
- |
Core |
|
1 |
Strategic and Organisational Management |
- |
Core |
|
1 |
Marketing and Resource Raising |
- |
Core |
|
Credits are given for completion of the whole programme, not by modules |
60 |
Requirements for gaining an award
In order to gain an honours degree you will need to obtain 360 credits including:
- A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
- A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
- A minimum of 120 credits at level three or higher
In order to gain an ordinary degree you will need to obtain a minimum of 300 credits including:
- A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
- A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
- A minimum of 60 credits at level three or higher
In order to gain a Diploma of Higher Education you will need to obtain at least 240 credits including a minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher and 120 credits at level two or higher
In order to gain a Certificate of Higher Education you will need to obtain 120 credits at level one or higher.
In order to gain a Foundation Degree you will need to obtain a minimum of 240 credits including:
- A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
- A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
(A foundation degree is linked to a named Honours degree onto which a student may progress after successful completion of the Foundation degree.)
Degree Classification
Where a student is eligible for an Honours degree, and has gained a minimum of 240 UEL credits at level 2 or level 3 on the programme, including a minimum of 120 UEL credits at level 3, the award classification is determined by calculating:
|
The arithmetic mean of the best 100 credits at level 3 |
× |
2/3 |
+ |
The arithmetic mean of the next best 100 credits at levels 2 and/or 3 |
× |
1/3 |
and applying the mark obtained as a percentage, with all decimals points rounded up to the nearest whole number, to the following classification
|
70% - 100% |
First Class Honours |
|
60% - 69% |
Second Class Honours, First Division |
|
50% - 59% |
Second Class Honours, Second Division |
|
40% - 49% |
Third Class Honours |
|
0% - 39% |
Not passed |
Assessment
Teaching, learning and assessment
Teaching and learning
Knowledge is developed through
- Presentations by facilitators and guided discussions by students
- Group exercises for problem solving in small groups
- Feedback and discussions in larger groups
Thinking skills are developed through
- Problem solving in smaller groups
- Analysis of existing practice
Practical skills are developed through
- Organisation tasks
- Devising development plan and resource raising strategy
Skills for life and work (general skills) are developed through
- Making a presentation to a panel of funders
- Working in a group of diverse people, experiences and understanding
Teaching
The facilitation is done by experienced facilitators who draw from the wealth of knowledge and experience they bring from many years of working in the voluntary sector.
Assessment
- Two organisation tasks: analysis of current situation and an outline of action plan which address any gaps blocks and barriers identified
- Funding proposal (development plan and resource raising strategy), including Presentation to Panel of Funders
- Personal Development Plan
- Work for assessment is set within a portfolio of evidence relating to learning, critical reflecting and wider reading
Quality
How we assure the quality of this programme
Before this programme started
Before the programme started, the following was checked:
- there would be enough qualified staff to teach the programme;
- adequate resources would be in place;
- the overall aims and objectives were appropriate;
- the content of the programme met national benchmark requirements;
- the programme met any professional/statutory body requirements;
- the proposal met other internal quality criteria covering a range of issues such as admissions policy, teaching, learning and assessment strategy and student support mechanisms.
This is done through a process of programme approval which involves consulting academic experts including some subject specialists from other institutions.
How we monitor the quality of this programme
The quality of this programme is monitored each year through evaluating:
- external examiner reports (considering quality and standards);
- statistical information (considering issues such as the pass rate);
- student feedback.
Drawing on this and other information programme teams undertake the annual Review and Enhancement Process which is co-ordinated at School level and includes student participation. The process is monitored by the University's Quality Standing Committee.
Once every six years an in-depth review of the whole field is undertaken by a panel that includes at least two external subject specialists. The panel considers documents, looks at student work, speaks to current and former students and speaks to staff before drawing its conclusions. The result is a report highlighting good practice and identifying areas where action is needed.
The role of the programme committee
This programme has a programme committee comprising all relevant teaching staff, student representatives and others who make a contribution towards the effective operation of the programme (e.g. library/technician staff). The committee has responsibilities for the quality of the programme. It provides input into the operation of the Review and Enhancement Process and proposes changes to improve quality. The programme committee plays a critical role in the University's quality assurance procedures.
The role of external examiners
The standard of this programme is monitored by at least one external examiner. External examiners have two primary responsibilities:
- To ensure the standard of the programme
- To ensure that justice is done to individual students
External examiners fulfil these responsibilities in a variety of ways including:
- Approving exam papers/assignments
- Attending assessment boards
- Reviewing samples of student work and moderating marks
- Ensuring that regulations are followed
- Providing feedback through an annual report that enables us to make improvements for the future
Listening to the views of students
The following methods for gaining student feedback are used on this programme:
- Module evaluations
- Student representation on field committee
- Working communications between facilitators and students
Students are notified of the action taken through:
- discussion with facilitators and students
- circulating the minutes of the programme committee
Listening to the views of others
The following methods are used for gaining the views of other interested parties:
- Consultations with former students
Further Information
Alternative locations for studying this programme
| Location | Which elements? | Taught by UEL staff | Taught by local staff | Method of Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
Where you can find further information
Further information about this programme is available from:
- The UEL web site
- The student handbook http://www.1ststesps.org.uk
- Module study guides
- UEL Manual of Regulations and Policies http://www.uel.ac.uk/qa/
- UEL Quality Manual http://www.uel.ac.uk/qa/
- Regulations for the Academic Framework http://www.uel.ac.uk/academicframework/
- Mavis Fernandes mavis@1ststeps.org.uk
- Current External examiners
- External examiner reports (available from UEL virtual learning environment (UELPlus or Moodle))
