Compass Network
Why Compass?
Our project partners are engaged in solving difficult, complex, and long-term challenges. They generally do this in the face of inertia with minimal resource and limited capacity. As a result, they need pro-active support, specialist expertise, and a network of partners to help them overcome obstacles, and get beyond the threshold of success.
To support their work, the Hikurangi Foundation has established the Compass Network – a network of committed and expert professionals who share our vision for the future, and are prepared to work with our project partners to deliver impact now.
What is Compass?
The Compass Network harnesses the specialist expertise of both highly skilled individuals and leading companies to strengthen the capacity of our project partners and deliver specific solutions that will transform their impact. While our project partners benefit from the strategic funding that Hikurangi can offer, it is often expertise that makes the greatest difference, and enables them to grow at a much faster pace than they would have otherwise.
Pro-bono support is not a new phenomenon, but through the Compass Network we hope to establish a different and dynamic type of partnership that facilitates a very effective model for creating shared value. The Compass Network is based on established models that are working internationally.
Because our project partners have a very wide range of needs, we are looking to recruit organisations and individuals who are able to offer support in the areas of:
- Business models and business planning
- Strategic thinking and review
- Market and partner assessment
- Financial planning, modelling, and reporting
- Business development / financing proposals
- Governance arrangements
- Management coaching
- Scientific and/or technical advisory
- Development of performance measures
- Monitoring and evaluation
- Marketing and creative
- Communications strategy and PR
- IT and operations
- Legal support
How does it work?
We scope and broker each engagement based on the needs of our project partners as their work progresses. The scope and design of Compass engagements can be flexible but needs to fulfil the requirements of the Project Partner. We anticipate that most engagements will take one of the following formats:
Core deliverables – Deliver a specific piece of high-value work for the project partner. This engagement model is critical for helping project partners deliver key parts of their business plan that they don’t have the capacity or capability to undertake themselves. These engagements are hugely valuable and significantly accelerate the speed at which their venture can develop.
Task force – Work with a project partner for an intense and concise assignment. This will often take the form of ‘Design Lab’ format where a collection of complementary Compass Network members will be convened to workshop an early stage venture and develop a business plan that the project partner can take forward.
Mentoring – Commit to a long-term, one-to-one engagement with a project partner to provide on-going professional support, external challenge, and wider perspectives. Bringing networks and partners into play as and when appropriate.
Benefits for Members
- The Compass Network enables individuals and organisations to maximise their impact. You will contribute specific skills and expertise rather than just volunteering time.
- Engaging with these innovative projects will be a valuable and rewarding experience – not only are you directly contributing to community impact, you are getting to work with some the most entrepreneurial ideas emerging in the social and environmental space.
- For employers, this could be a great opportunity for professional development leading to increased retention and motivation. Employers can also use Hikurangi projects to trial promising staff by giving them an increased level of responsibility, under supervision from experienced colleagues.
- Hikurangi Projects may also provide a fit with your CSR strategy and an opportunity to develop closer on-going partnerships and programmes.
- The Compass Network will also create opportunities for like-minded individuals and organisations to connect. Hikurangi will host periodic events for Compass Network members to share experiences and celebrate collective achievements.
Joining the Compass Network
We are looking to partner with individuals and organisations with more than 10 years’ experience in their area of expertise. However, we can also explore ways to involve junior and intermediate members of your team on a case-by-case basis.
If you have the relevant experience and would like to register your interest in joining the Compass Network, please get in contact. Our process involves meeting each potential partner to ensure they have a sound understanding of what we’re aiming to achieve and how the progamme works. As all engagements are designed specifically to match the needs of our Project Partners, there may be a delay before assigning a match.
