Already developing fast, the Centre now has a number of complementary activities.

• Four diploma/masters programmes designed for the voluntary sector, taking up to 80 students a year. The programmes are in Charity Management, Charity Accounting and Financial Management, Charity Marketing and Fundraising, and, a world first, in Grant Making Management. The programmes are run by Prof. Paul Palmer.

• Prof. Jenny Harrow directs the research effort which aims to complement the academic courses and other activities, with focused knowledge on key issues in an under-researched sector.

• A consultancy service aimed specifically at the larger organisations in the voluntary sector has been successfully launched and is led by Denise Fellows, a Liveryman of the Company. The modest profit margin raised by the service will help fund the core costs of the Centre which are not covered by the University. Company members are encouraged to give some of their time, either pro bono or on a modestly paid basis as an associate of the Centre in support of these consultancy projects. This ‘paid for’ service sits alongside the Company’s pro bono consultancy service for smaller charities.

• A range of short courses, aimed at complementing the academic courses has been launched, together with a series of Charity Talks by leading figures in the sector. Any surplus made on these activities will also be used to support un-funded core costs.

• A mentoring service, again for larger charities, is about to be launched under Denise Fellows wing, complementing the very successful pro bono mentoring service offered to smaller charities by the Company.

• Also in development, but awaiting a funding injection, is an e-based Learning Network which will provide, for modest subscription, access to the research and good practice in the sector and act as a learning exchange amongst voluntary and community sector organisations. Dr Ian Williams leads this work.