1. Benefits of a Development Session with a Development Officer
It’s a bit like Therapy really

2. Q: Does the organisation have to be “sick” or “struggling” to go to see a Development Officer?
A: No. Just as one does not have to be “seriously disturbed” in order to see a therapist, you don’t have to wait for problems to see a Development Officer.
And just as some therapists do specialize in severe emotional disturbances so do many development officers, but focus on simply helping clients work through far more typical, everyday challenges like mapping out a change, improving skills, strengthening management skills, seeking funding or navigating a governance uses .
Just as some physicians specialize in curing life-threatening illnesses, while others treat “everyday” illnesses like flus, coughs, and colds, Development officers can serve a wide range of clients with a range of needs and goals too.

3. Q: What actually happens during a therapy Development session?
A: Each session is, essentially, a problem- solving session. You describe your current situation and your feelings about it, and then the therapist Development Officer uses their expertise to assist you in trying to resolve that problem so you can move closer to having the life you wish to have.
At the beginning of a session, the Development officer will typically invite you to share what’s been going on in your organisation, what the issues are, what are you thoughts on the matter and what help and support do you think you need.
Just as therapists might we may give clients some homework to complete after a session.

4. Q: Will I have to talk about the past?
Only where it relates to now and the future. The focus of your session will be your present-day reality and the future that you wish to create.

5. Q: How long will I have to work with the Development Officer?
A: This varies from organisation to organisation.
Typically, one session will provide enough for you to take your plans forward. But where you require or would like continuing support that is always available.
Many organisations simply dip in and out of receiving Development Officer support
As with therapy, a development session is really about whatever a client needs—a one-time conversation, a temporary source of support during a transition, or an ongoing experience to optimise organisational health structurally, organisationally, sustainably and even financially.

6. Q: Is meeting with a development officer over the phone, through , or through video chat just as effective as meeting in person?
A: That depends on you and your preferences. This can make it a convenient option for people. Though being in the same room can often create a unique space for new solutions, perceptions, realisations and ideas.

7. Q: Why see a Development Officer
Q: Why see a Development Officer? Why not just talk to colleagues or Trustees
A: They are a big and important part of your organisation’s support network, and their insights and encouragement can be very helpful. However, people already involved in your organisation might not always be completely objective.
This is why working with a Development Officer can be so valuable. It's a unique opportunity to share everything you’re feeling, and everything you want to create, without anyone interrupting you, imposing his or her own anxieties onto the conversation, or telling you that you’re “wrong” or that you “can’t.”

8. Q: Why see a Development Officer
Q: Why see a Development Officer? Why not just talk to colleagues or Trustees (cont)
A development session is a space where you don’t have to worry about hurting anyone else’s feelings—you can be totally honest.
It also means you have the potential to solve problems faster and with greater success. In the long run, that’s better for you, your organisation and everyone else involved too.

9. sum
To sum it up:
A Development Session is a valuable tool that can help you to solve problems, find possible funding avenues, discover and implement best practice, be confident of your compliance, set and achieve goals, improve communication and keep your stress levels in check. It can help you to build the organisation that you want.
Consider setting up one or two sessions, keep an open mind, and see how things unfold. You have very little to lose and, potentially, a lot of clarity, knowledge and understanding, and long-lasting, stability and legacy to gain.

10. End Hunts Forum Contact Keith Johnson Keith@huntsforum.org.uk
Cambridge CVS Contact
Alan Turner
End
With apologies to Dr. Suzanne Gelb whose article in Psychology Today in 2015 was ripped for this presentation