The Third Sector
 
 
 

 
 

 

Text Box: Developments Text Box: Changes Text Box: ChangesText Box: Publications Text Box: Areas of Work The Third Sector comprises non-governmental organisations, community organisations, civil groups and political think tanks and are concerned with linking disadvantaged or marginalised communities with economic opportunities, it addresses people, places and policies (the 3Ps). It is today recognised that the this group, so long been regarded as an area for philanthropy and volunteerism, is now seen as an important sector in assisting governments discharge their responsibility to society as a whole. The environment of the Third Sector has become increasingly uncertain but more tightly interconnected with the private and public sectors, thus changes anywhere often reverberate unpredictably, chaotically and dangerously throughout society. This increased uncertainty and interconnectedness requires a threefold response from the Third Sector namely (i) to think strategically; (ii) translate their insights into effective strategies and (iii) to develop rationales necessary to lay the groundwork for adopting and implementing their strategies.

Yet this group has largely been devoid of appropriate and suitable tools and plans that will enable it to grow and discharge its increasing role and responsibility in society. It has now become recognised as the Third Sector. firstprinciples is able to assist the Third Sector by providing a diverse range of services in combination or separately:

Read about the details of our tailored services. We fit our services to your needs.

Governments 

Regulators

Private Sector

Third Sector

 

Strategic Planning & Management

There are 4 major benefits to undertaking strategic planning and management, namely (a) the creation of a clearer view of the organisation's future, its priorities and more importantly better information on matters external to itself; (b) improved decision-making on crucial issues; (c) enhanced organisational responsiveness (the organisation responds more wisely and effectively to critical demands from a rapidly changing environment) and (d) people within the organisation can better fulfil their roles.

Yet to adopt and apply what have been tools in the private sector for the third sector ignores the differences which exist, such as the different legal and political environment, different stakeholders and constituents, different internal structures and governance approaches, and different financial make-up. In addition the changing role of the Third Sector demands that desirable strategies be developed to ensure sustainability.

Nevertheless firstprinciples is able to undertake strategic planning and management for the Third Sector using the tools developed for the private sector but customised to address the needs and issues that affect the Third Sector, so that the organisations are able to fulfill their missions, meet their mandates and satisfy their constituents in the years ahead.

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Policy Analysis - We provide all aspects of policy analysis including:

  • determining and identifying areas of policy conflict including designing ways to manage such conflicts;

  • evaluating implemented policies;

  • providing policy formulation advice, impact assessments and market analysis;

  • undertaking Gap Analysis of existing policy and regulatory frameworks;

  • undertaking scenario building and outcome analysis

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Position & Justification Papers - We assist in developing reasoned and robust position papers, white papers and provide second opinions/reviews on issues which the Third Sector are concerned with. This enables their case to be better presented to policy makers and other stakeholders.

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Policy Engagement Strategies - a key function of the Third Sector is to better engage policy makers. We provide:

  • Advice on effective methods on how to influence policy and engage policy makers;

  • Implementation of engagement strategies developed by us.

  • Development of communication strategies - Using psychological principles of persuasion and research we advise on all aspects of communication strategy for influencing policy

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Key People

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Our Projects

Resources

 

Behavioural science & applied psychology research

We provide psychological research and consultancy for most issues which the Third Sector is concerned with.  So far our focus has been on the effects of environmental factors – economic, social, and government policies - on patterns of human thought and behaviour in such areas as:

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  •  social consequences of economies in transition;

o    Advice, research and analysis of the effect of government economic policies on behaviour, social groups etc.

o    Advice, research and analysis of risk factors for problematic behaviour and behaviour patterns;

o    Advice on countervailing measures;

o    Evaluation of programs and interventions

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  •  effect of economic, social and political policies on human behaviour  

  • Advice, research and analysis of the effect of government policies on behaviour, social groups etc.

  • Advice, research and analysis of risk factors for problematic behaviour and behaviour patterns;

  • Advice on countervailing measures;

  • Evaluation of existing programs and interventions

  • road safety;

     

    • Research and analysis of the psychological basis for road crashes and recommendation of road safety interventions;

    • Evaluation of the effectiveness of road safety programs and interventions;

     

  • Bullying, Delinquency and crime in Schools:

     

    • Research and analysis of the psychological basis for bullying in schools and recommendation of anti-bullying interventions;

    • Evaluation of the effectiveness of anti-bullying programs and interventions;

    • Research and analysis of the psychological basis for delinquency and/or crime by school children and recommendation of counter-measures;

    • Evaluation of the effectiveness of programs and interventions.

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