The Blueprint Expert Reference Group (BERG) has officially handed the Not-for-profit Sector Development Blueprint to the Federal Government. This Blueprint shows clearly the enormous role the Not-for-profit (NFP) sector performs across Australia.
The Blueprint, developed by representatives and experts from the Not-for-profit (NFP) Sector, sets out a 10-year vision for the future of the sector. It contains a framework, core initiatives and an implementation approach designed to ensure we have a strong and thriving sector that can continue to support Australia’s people, communities and environment.
The Blueprint contains 18 key initiatives organised across three strategic pillars:
- Pillar One: An enabling operational and regulatory environment for the NFP sector to thrive;
- Pillar Two: A people-led and purpose driven NFP Sector; and
- Pillar Three: An adaptive and dynamic forward-focused NFP Sector.
The Blueprint is a starting point, not an end position, for long-term meaningful reform that will increase the capability and sustainability of the NFP Sector. It is the culmination of nearly two years’ work for the Blueprint Expert Reference Group, supported by a Secretariat in the Department of Social Services, incorporating significant public consultation.
“As the backbone of connected and thriving communities, the NFP sector plays a vital role in bringing people together and fostering a sense of belonging across the nation.The Blueprint offers a clear, evidence-based pathway to strengthen the NFP sector and address the challenges we face. We urge the government to accept the recommendations outlined in the Blueprint and commit to the solutions needed to ensure the sector can continue its critical work of enabling resilient, inclusive, and vibrant communities.”
Mark Pearce, Volunteering Australia CEO, and Blueprint Expert Reference Group Member.
Volunteering and the Not-for-profit Sector
The Blueprint draws on the National Strategy for Volunteering, recognising that the charitable sector engages 3.2 million volunteers, and more than half of Australia’s charities are run entirely by volunteers.
The vision for the Blueprint is a thriving Australian NFP sector supporting healthy civil society. The goal to see volunteering thrive, and volunteers contribute according to their interests is supported by Initiative 12 in the Blueprint.
Initiative 12: Support the priorities of the co-designed National Strategy for Volunteering (NSV) and government and NFP involvement in the development of its action plans
This initiative aligns the strategic objectives which constitute the National Strategy for Volunteering, as developed by Volunteering Australia, with the strategic coordination and planning of the Not-for-profit Sector Development Blueprint.
Initiative 12a: Invest in volunteer leadership and management
This action recognises the importance of properly resourced volunteer leadership and management to ensure that volunteer leaders are well-supported, adequately trained to coordinate and enhance volunteer experiences and impact.
Initiative 12b: Encourage government investment in volunteering infrastructure and knowledge systems that support volunteers and volunteer-based organisations across Australia
This action is to further the capabilities of volunteers and volunteer-based organisations by encouraging sustainable investment in fit for purpose systems, resources, and tools.
The Blueprint is accessible via the Department of Social Services website.
The Joint Statement from the Blueprint Expert Reference Group is accessible via the MediaNet website.
