RSAF
FAQS - CONSULTANCY
Got a Question? Here’s An Answer!
WHAT IS THE AIM OF THE RSAF CONSULTANCY?
The RSAF Consultancy aims to assist non-profit organisations and social enterprises that work to improve the lives of people in Sub-Saharan Africa through the provision of free, non-professional consulting services from Rhodes Scholars resident in Oxford.
WHY WAS THE RSAF CONSULTANCY FOUNDED?
Whereas the original functions of RSAF included raising and distributing funds for small-scale community development in Africa, Scholars felt that they could strengthen and expand RSAF’s impact by providing non-material, non-financial assistance in the form of strategic support. Additionally, volunteer consultants would gain experience in non-profit consulting and have the opportunity to work collaboratively with Scholars from different years and constituencies.
WHAT ORGANISATIONS ARE ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE?
Organisations eligible to participate in the RSAF Consultancy are those aiming to assist people in Sub-Saharan Africa in ways that align with the RSAF Mission. Furthermore, priority is given to organisations who:
Are unable to access consultancy services elsewhere,
Are working on innovative, high-impact initiatives that would most benefit from the consultancy relationship, and
Are willing and able to communicate regularly with the consultancy team, preferably via voice calls.
WHAT DO ORGANISATIONS GAIN BY PARTICIPATING?
Organisations receive free, non-professional support from creative, committed, flexible teams with diverse backgrounds and experiences. The organisation-consultant relationship is intended to provide an opportunity for organisations to discuss new ideas, reflect on challenges, map out solutions, and incorporate fresh perspectives from the consultancy teams. As the RSSAF Consultancy moves forward, our growing record of past projects provides a wealth of information and experience for new organisations.
ARE THERE FINANCIAL BENEFITS FOR PARTICIPATING ORGANISATIONS?
No. The RSAF Consultancy aims to furnish organisations with non-material, non-financial strategic support. Consultants may assist organisations in developing their fundraising strategies, improving the sustainability of existing financial plans, or locating potential funders, but services do not include fundraising on the organisation’s behalf. Clients seeking monetary support from RSAF are encouraged to apply for an RSAF grant.
WHEN DOES THE RSAF CONSULTANCY TAKE PLACE?
The annual project cycle runs from the University of Oxford’s Michaelmas term through Trinity Term, e.g. October through June. However, consultants and organisations may negotiate a shorter consultancy period, if desired. Consultants may agree to continue working with an organisation after the end of the cycle in Trinity, but they must do so individually and independently from the RSSAF Consultancy.
HOW DO WE COMMUNICATE WITH ORGANISATIONS?
Consultants meet organisations in person whenever possible, but the majority of interactions occur via free voice-over-IP software such as Skype and Viber. Most organisations have permanent access to computers fitted with this software. If they do not, they should at least have regular access to email so that periodic calls can be scheduled in advance, giving organisations time to make arrangements to access the required software.
HOW LARGE ARE THE RSSAF CONSULTANCY TEAMS?
The size of RSSAF Consultancy teams varies by year, depending on the number of consultants who volunteer for the project and the number of organisations accepted. At minimum, a team will consist of one experienced team leader and two consultants. Team size may vary depending on the needs of a particular client organisation.
If you have any other queries regarding RSAF Consulting work, write to us at rssafconsulting@gmail.com.