Calling in an outside service provider is often a good solution.
A service provider can help a permanent team (whether salaried or volunteer) to cope with a one-off increase in workload, so that it can remain responsive and carry out its missions successfully. The service provider provides you with :
- Flexibility in your organization: you decide on the precise tasks to be carried out at the right time, for a specific element or more globally for an entire mission;
- Controlled deadlines: you can be sure of obtaining a service within a given timeframe, which can be an advantage in certain emergency situations;
- total autonomy: you don't need to manage staff.
What's more, he possesses specific skills and approaches issues with fresh eyes.
Many associations today use service providers. A study of the relationship between NGOs and service providers by the federation of associations Coordination SUD (Solidarité Urgence Développement) shows that 95% of their French-speaking members use service providers, nearly a quarter of them more than 10 times a year. Consulting, auditing, communications and internal organization are the most common activities.