Ways of working between third sector organizations and UK universities: are we getting it right?

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to offer strategic advice and identify ways in which third sector organizations can work with United Kingdom (UK) universities for promoting business education and enterprise skills development.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors’ strategic advice is based on analysis of qualitative interviews, focus groups, interactive seminars/workshops, and working with third sector support agencies.

Findings

Advice for third sector organizations includes the following points: build your efficacy – share the burden, do not attempt everything on your own; partner, or own the business skills yourself – you decide upon your strategy; develop your “social mission” and be “business oriented”; develop applied student projects – everyone wins; think about student volunteers; and local universities are there for you – check and see.

Originality/value

This is the first article of Development and Learning in Organization (DLO) to consider relationships between UK’s third sector organizations and regional universities. The authors deal with important education, skills, and business development issues for the third sector. There are new opportunities in 2016 (and beyond) for universities to build closer relationships with their third sector communities.

Citation

Fearon, C., Sama, A. and van Vuuren, W. (2017), "Ways of working between third sector organizations and UK universities: are we getting it right?", Development and Learning in Organizations, Vol. 31 No. 4, pp. 17-20. https://doi.org/10.1108/DLO-09-2016-0087