Making the best use of pro bono help Part 3 Getting the right structure in place

Understand responsibilities Receiver responsibility: Be clear what you are asking for and why Ask for it properly and respectfully Know your own organisation and tie it back to what it needs Targeted v blanket approach Resist urge to take what is given or for the sake of being offered Pick your wins See it as an equal relationship – the giver benefits too remember! Communicate your appreciation and the positive impacts of the support Giver responsibility: Respond to the brief effectively Establish the benefits of participating and supporting Resist killing with kindness – listen! Tailor support to their needs Ensure same level of quality and professionalism Allow for change and learning Evaluate benefits and impacts See it as an equal relationship – there are many business benefits to providing support Be clear on the business benefit not just the PR opportunity

Step 1: Client Need What do you want and why Be clear why pro bono is the right route as opposed to another Research organisations that align with your needs, vision, objectives Identify common ground and key motives for them supporting you What strings are you willing to attach to?

Step 2: Cast the net….widely! Are there brokerages out there that can help? Do you have an existing relationship? Do any of your partners have a relationship that could be of value? Use social and other media to communicate the issue you are seeking support from to rally interest Don’t be too prescriptive – set the parameters of the issue and invite creative solutions and ideas Communicate the anticipated outcome and impacts of the support

Step 3: Establishment Agree the business/organisational case for asking and supporting Identify the mutual benefits Establish a structure on both sides for managing the relationship This needs to include sharing ideas and feedback at all levels of the organisation Learn about each other’s organisation, objectives, priorities and vision

Step 4: Strategy Behave like a client a set a clear brief! Set the standard for on-going relationship, behaviours and expected outcomes from the start What wider purpose does the support contribute to and make sure partners understand Don’t squander the support! Explore all options for delivering the support leaving room for creativity and innovation Use the opportunity to change behaviours within the giving organisation Agree the level of publicity both sides are comfortable with Make sure it’s a truly joint approach – not just receiver receiving!

Step 5: Build the relationship Meet regularly and evaluate progress Don’t be afraid to change Monitor outcomes and assess how the support is meeting objectives and brief Make it bespoke!

Step 6: Grease the wheel Opportunity to develop a sustainable relationship for future collaboration Could lead to follow on work and new relationships for giver Staff acquire new skills and experiences Not just a one-way “feel-good” relationship Could be lost any time Heart strings are tenuous and fickle!