The Australian Scholarship Foundation, in collaboration with the University of Western Australia Business School’s Centre for Societal Impact and the Origin Foundation has studied the capacity of NFP’s to effect social change, and recognise that ongoing training of staff is essential to the equation. In the “Learning for Purpose” report, released in November, it is emphasised that professional development leads to enhanced organisational capabilities and results in better organisational performance.

As any business or organisation develops, there is a requirement for its staff to also develop. As staff rise to the challenges of professional demands, much of this progress happens on the job, and as time passes they find themselves with a range of professional capabilities they didn’t initially possess. But often, formal professional development is required, and seminars, mentoring and training courses all lead to more effective participation in the workplace.

Non Profit Organisations, especially, can have trouble justifying the cost of professional development for staff, often citing it as an overhead, rather than the investment it is. It is becoming evident, however, that the sector would see benefits with an increase from the 58% of staff who do undertake developmental training. To ensure “sustainability, growth and societal impact”, more organisations should ensure staff receive further training.

The Australian Scholarship Foundation plays a great role in facilitating the delivery of educational grants and scholarships provided by private donations. The training received through these scholarships effects individual employees in positive and powerful ways, and in turn creates organisiations capable of effecting tremendous change.