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POLICY & RESEARCH |
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KNOWLEDGE & INFORMATION |
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NETWORKING & EVENTS |
The Plunkett Foundation is the UK’s leading provider of specialist consultancy and training services to rural group enterprises. These services are provided by Plunkett’s network of staff, trustees and associate consultants, which together harness an unparalleled wealth of skills and experience of this specific form of business enterprise. Consultancy and training services are provided either directly to the client on a fee-paying basis or delivered as part of integrated development projects, usually financed by an external public-sector donor. In either case, Plunkett’s unique service combines state-of-the-art management theory with a deep understanding of the success factors critical to group enterprises in rural areas. Specific services are described in further detail below.
International Project Management
The Foundation manages and participates in international development projects financed by international donor agencies. Plunkett has worked in over 50 countries throughout the world, on projects financed by the World Bank, European Commission, DFID and other major development agencies.
Currently projects are implemented through Plunkett’s partially owned subsidiary, Rural Partnerships. Projects draw on the Foundation’s register of associate consultants to match the needs of projects, donors and beneficiaries with the availability of appropriately qualified and experienced consultants.
For further information on Plunkett’s international services or about becoming an associate consultant, contact info@plunkett.co.uk.
Study Tours
The Foundation arranges study tours for international groups wishing to visit the UK to learn more about co-operative ventures, agricultural operations, rural tourism and related rural issues. Each tour is structured to suit the individual group, taking account of special interests, time availability and budget. Tailored programmes may include visits to appropriate organisations, training courses and, if required, sightseeing. Groups from all over the world have been hosted, and in recent years particular interest has been shown from Eastern European countries working towards European Union membership.
Social Enterprise Development Projects
The Foundation initiates and manages local and national development projects supporting the growth of community-owned services and other forms of rural social enterprise in the UK. Projects are almost always implemented in partnership with local and national non-governmental partner organisations. Current projects include a survey of community-owned village shops in England, the development of a programme, in partnership with Age Concern England, called Rural Lifelines to support the involvement of older people in rural social enterprise, to an action research programme, financed by Defra, which provides support to social enterprises and voluntary organisations which plan to commence or develop enterprise-based activities benefiting socially excluded people in English rural communities.
Director Development
Training and human resource development programmes enable directors of co-operatives and rural
group enterprises to acquire the skills and techniques necessary to govern complex business
enterprises. Services range from facilitating strategy workshops to conducting open training courses
on specific management and business issues.
A separate training programme for farmer-directors and council members of English and Welsh milk
groups began in 2003 in association with The Royal
Association of British Dairy Farmers (RABDF) (funded by Defra's Vocational Training Scheme).
For further information about Plunkett training activities, please contact info@plunkett.co.uk