Small is beautiful
Global Support Link (GSL) has been operating for twelve years now and, whilst we have been growing, we have kept the small charity ethos running throughout our systems.
John Pepper, our Chair of Trustees, used to work in the energy industry for a small engineering consultancy, responsible for business development. “Whilst we were smaller than our competitors” he says “our clients used to like working with us for many reasons. Amongst those were our ability to react very quickly when necessary – whilst a larger competitor was still thinking about the price to do a new piece of work, we could have already started on the project. “
What other advantages can be brought to bear by a small organisation over our larger colleagues, other than agility?
The people involved have more autonomy and engagement in the work – ensuring that the right things are done at the right time without reference to a cumbersome hierarchy.
Overheads are low, ensuring that the maximum amount of funding reaches the intended recipients.
Processes and procedures are minimal but effective, relying heavily on people working together skilfully.
A recent example was when the team decided to carry out an Emergency COVID Appeal to support families in Nepal:
The decision was taken on Sunday
The appeal was live on Monday
It was decided to send money to Nepal in advance of the closing of the appeal on Tuesday
Money was sent and received on Thursday
Aid was being distributed on Friday
We consider this impressive – less than a week to get aid to where it is needed!
People in Nepal that received support pack from our recent appeal. The pack includes the following food: rice, potato, salt, oil, dal, beans, vegetables and meat. The pack also includes a face mask, sanitiser, soaps and gifts for children.
So, whilst GSL is not suggesting that we can carry our very large multinational projects, what we are saying is:
“When an international development project falls within our comfort zone, we can carry it out more quickly and at better value than our larger colleagues.”
As GSL continues to grow, we will maintain the small charity ethos whilst being able to carry out larger and larger projects.
