1. Chair Induction Seb Elsworth, Director of Strategy, ACEVO Using member research to inform the strategic planning process

2. Background Association of Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations (ACEVO) Est 1987 as “club” for CEOs to support each other Support, develop, connect and represent –Events, networking, –information, lobbying 2000 members

3. Why 2007? April 2008 – 2011 Strategic Plan to be developed 20 th anniversary Plateau in member numbers “Unengaged 2/3rds” - who/what/why? Budget available

4. Research approach Tender process Chose Elucidation –Qualitative telephone interviews –Quantitative postal survey –Follow up calls to ensure regional representation 25% response rate – good for a time poor audience

5. Findings Satisfaction – 50% Top 5 benefits members value the most: –Support & advice –ACEVO’s influencing role –Networking –Professional Development –Publications

6. Findings II Networking with CEOs from similar orgs top networking preference Seen as “London centric” by those outside of London Political agenda not embraced by all

7. What we did next Fed back internally Fed back to the Board with a plan of action Used findings in strategic planning process Fed back to the members through flyer addressed from Chair Used selected stats for press work

8. What changed? Internal & external focus on ‘support and advice’ services Secured funding for regional activity – 100 events a year outside of London Increased and focused on free special interest groups Invested in new website/database

9. Strategy development

10. Conclusion: the good Helpful exercise –Some new insights –Substantiated what we thought we knew Demonstrated to members they can input/we care Created a buzz/focus

11. Conclusion: the not so good Expensive to repeat regularly Can provide new questions: –What do you mean by “Support and advice?” Organisation changes rapidly, results offer a snapshot at x time.