Charity staff have completed an intensive training course in how to run non-profit organisations.

Twelve residents have graduated from the Introduction to Non-profit Management Certificate programme, which is run by the Inter Agency Committee for Children, Families and the Community.

The course, sponsored by the Bermuda Foundation, runs for 11 months and enables graduates to earn accredited non-profit management certificates from two US universities.

According to an IAC spokeswoman, the Introduction to Non-profit Management Certificate is an introductory-level programme that introduces learners to key management issues for non-profit organisations and is the first level in the Non-profit Leadership Development Programme.

The spokeswoman said: “The NPLD strengthens Bermuda third sector leadership by equipping non-profit professionals with the knowledge and skills to manage and sustain a successful non-profit organisation.

“Graduates are supported throughout the year by coaches Dr Glenn Faries and Dr Nicola Paugh, and joined by a range of subject-matter experts in the non-profit and philanthropy sectors.

“The cohort model enables participants to discuss and process the course materials together, helping to strengthen relationships across the non-profit sector.”

One graduate from the programme said: “The course provides a solid foundation of key information to prepare someone to operate as the leader of a non-profit organisation.

“The structure of the programme provides a great opportunity to network and learn from other third sector leaders and grant makers.”

Another added: “This programme is a must for the leadership of a charitable organisation. A well-organised charitable organisation can have a significant impact in the addressing the needs in a given vulnerable community.

“This certification is certainly beneficial to well-established charities as well as beginners in the field.”

Myra Virgil, the chief executive of the Bermuda Foundation, said: “It is exciting to know that this latest cohort will join the larger group of alumni, increasing the scale and scope of non-profit professionals who have the capacities to do the tough work of managing a non-profit while pursuing social mission.”

Dr Paugh, the executive director of the IAC, extended her thanks to the Bermuda Foundation for its continued investment in non-profit leadership development.

She said: “Without the partnership of the Bermuda Foundation, IAC wouldn’t be able to offer these incredible learning opportunities at rates that are accessible to the non-profit sector. We are thrilled to be able to offer a full continuum of non-profit leadership development at the beginner, intermediate and advanced leadership levels.”

The 2022 graduates are: Marva (Venessa) Phillips-Williams, Nicole Stuart, Gwendolyn Creary, Samantha Smith, Malikah Hill, Marjorie Richardson Caines, Lori Dunstan, Aria Bean, Dora Baker, Katie Terceira, Michael Bradshaw and Alba Fernandez Garcia.

Enrolment for the next Level 1 cohort will begin in February, while promotion for the new Level 2 Certified Non-profit Professional Credential Programme will begin this spring.

Those interested in taking the course can e-mail IAC programme manager Shana Williams at programmes@iac.bm.