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PWRDF Moves Forward with Hope: A message from the Executive Director January 29, 2010
This message contains information on the PWRDF staff restructuring effective March 31, 2010.
PWRDF in partnership
PWRDF is an instrument of faith for Anglicans in Canada who pray, act and give to fulfill the vision of a truly just, healthy, and peaceful world. PWRDF changes lives and changes communities as the Anglican Church of Canada agency for development, relief, refugee response and global justice. PWRDF has 50 years of results in relief response, transformational development, and development education.
Partnership is a way of working for PWRDF and it is also the work of PWRDF. This reality is at the core of PWRDF and at the core of the way forward.
PWRDF’s excels at
• rapid response to humanitarian disasters
• solid development partnerships delivering integrated programs and building capacity
• development focussed on community aspirations
• parish-based development education programs
• developing local leaders for the Anglican Church of Canada
Budget process and goals
The global economic crisis that hit North America resulted in reduced donations to PWRDF. As a result, a major fundraising initiative to commemorate PWRDF’s 50th Anniversary was suspended. With this context in mind, PWRDF, through its Executive Committee in December 2009, approved a budget direction for 2010/11 which reflects a 26% reduction in revenue and expenses. The goals of the 2010 reductions and the subsequent reductions of 10% annually for 2011 and 2012 are to maintain core program, balance the budget, end deficit budgeting, and replenish the reserve fund.
Reorganisation of staff structure
As a result of the budget reductions, program delivery costs must be reduced. The Executive Committee approved a plan at its January 8, 2010 meeting. The decision, though difficult, was unanimous. The plan is for restructuring of staff based on organisational needs to resource PWRDF programs.
The restructuring plan was reviewed with staff on January 28 and will take effect on March 31. The significant change in the staff structure is the creation of a Partnership Program Team that brings together the development and relief program staff with the public engagement and education program staff, formerly residing in two staff teams. The communications portfolio will be changed to increase areas of responsibility.
PWRDF’s new staff structure will be led by two managers well-loved in PWRDF: Elsa Tesfay (Partnership Program Manager) and Jill Martin (Finance and Administration Manager). As a result of the new structure, however, PWRDF will lose Beth Baskin who has served as Public Engagement Team Leader for four and a half years with her passion for justice.
Three new positions have been created to meet the organisational needs of PWRDF programs. The new positions are: Communications Facilitator, CIDA Development Program Coordinator, and Public Engagement Program Coordinator.
The great difficulty in this restructuring is the impact on staff. In addition to the loss of one team leader position, a further five positions have been eliminated. The following staff members have received lay off notices: Christine Hills (Communications Associate), Glen Spurrell (Africa Development Program Officer), Jeannethe Lara (Latin America-Caribbean, Refugee Program Officer), Jennifer Brown (Donor Relations Officer), Jose Zarate (Indigenous Communities Development Program Coordinator).
Union staff who receive lay off notices are eligible to bump junior staff in the union, and all union staff are eligible to apply for the three new positions in the union. In March, PWRDF looks forward to announcing the full staffing of the new structure. PWRDF will invite constituents and colleagues to share their appreciation for those staff members who will be departing PWRDF at the end of March.
Other changes resulting from the restructuring include job description changes and reduction in work hours for several staff.
Executive Director transition
In light of the restructuring and the strategic planning that the board will initiate later this year, I have discerned that it is time for a transition, for me and for PWRDF. I will be leaving my position as Executive Director of The Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund at the end of February. My departure will provide the board opportunity to determine the direction it wishes for PWRDF vis-à-vis leadership and vision. I have delighted in the vibrant ministry of PWRDF and the people of PWRDF. PWRDF’s partnership model is a proud tradition and the Anglican Church’s embrace of its PWRDF ministry is strong and vibrant. I am so proud to have been a part of PWRDF for these past four and a half years. Thank you for the wonderful opportunity to minister amongst and with you, to strive for a truly just, peaceful and healthy world.
Prayers
PWRDF is being accompanied throughout this process Archbishop Fred Hiltz, president of the PWRDF board, Bishop Gordon Light, chaplain for Church House, Sandra Kitson, Human Resources Manager, and the prayers of many dear friends and colleagues. Please continue to hold us in your prayers as we implement this new structure and build a strong sustainable future for the Anglican Church’s PWRDF ministry.
Blessings,
Cheryl Curtis
Executive Director
Related News
"Long-term sustainability behind PWRDF re-structuring, says director", news story in the Anglican Journal
