EFA unveils new Advanced Competence Framework at Certification Symposium

EFA’s 2022 Certification Symposium took place late last month, with a presentation on the new Advanced Competence Framework ahead of its launch this autumn.

The Symposium welcomed participants from around Europe both in-person in Oslo, and online. After an introduction by EFA president Charlotte Rydh, Certification Committee members Andrea Caracciolo di Feroleto, Glenys Garth-Thornton, Ian MacQuillin, and Paul Dalby presented the Framework, which is EFA’s latest educational programme, focused on the management of fundraising functions and leading a fundraising organisation. In their session, they took attendees through the fundraising leadership competencies it covers and how to gain the accreditation, before giving attendees an opportunity to discuss the programme and ask questions.

Speaking at the Symposium, Rydh thanked the Certification Committee members including chair Siri Nodland for all their work in putting the Framework together, saying:

“A huge amount of work has gone into developing this Framework and I’m immensely proud of what’s been achieved. I hope it provides the motivation and support for us to further strengthen leadership in fundraising across Europe. While we may have many different ways of working, we all want the same thing here – to be good at supporting our fundraisers.”

The Symposium also shared best practice and insights from fundraising education providers across Europe.

Glenys Garth-Thornton and Janet Phillips from the UK’s Chartered Institute of Fundraising shared insights into how its central support and tutor teams have developed over time, and the lessons learned. Delegates then heard from Fabienne Schmidli of the Zurich University of Applied Sciences on current international trends influencing continuing education. This focused in particular on the challenges with alumni networks, and possible solutions.

In the afternoon, participants from Finland, Germany, Ireland, Norway, Poland, Sweden and Switzerland each gave a brief overview of what’s new in fundraising education in their countries, before a final session on hybrid training events.

Following the Symposium, a final draft of the Framework will be now sent to members for feedback ahead of its finalisation and autumn launch, when it will be made available through this website.