Expertise Pool
The FRRR Expertise Pool is a network of highly-experienced consultants from around the country, with a proven track record of working in collaboration with community organisations to achieve their mission and build their resilience.
Run by the Social Impact Hub, the FRRR Expertise Pool offers a range of professional skills, sector expertise, specialist advice and support to enable community organisations to deliver place-based projects – from leadership training and capability building workshops to networking events and small-scale infrastructure initiatives.
While initially designed to assist community organisations involved in the Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought (HRCPD) Initiative and funded by the Australian Government, through the Future Drought Fund, the FRRR Expertise Pool is now open to all Australian-based community and social purpose organisations.
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Quick Links
I have a question,
who can I talk to?
Jay at Social Impact Hub on
02 8957 4978 or
email jay@socialimpacthub.org.
Or email futuredrought@frrr.org.au
or call us on 1800 170 020.
Experts are located all over Australia, including remote, rural and regional areas. Some are based in metro areas but have proven experience working with grassroots organisations in remote, rural or regional areas.
To join the Expertise Pool, consultants and advisors need to fulfill several criteria. They must be seasoned and highly experienced with a proven track record of helping regional community organisations. The vetting process includes reference checking.
Some of the areas where consultants have experience include:
How can I find out more?
Visit the FRRR Expertise Pool portal.
Contact Jay at Social Impact Hub on 02 8957 4978 or email jay@socialimpacthub.org.
Or email FRRR at futuredrought@frrr.org.au or call 03 5430 2399.
Please contact FRRR if you have any questions about the following information.
How much does the Expertise Pool cost?
In most situations, access to the Expertise Pool is completely free.
Note that each expert determines their fees but some consultants are willing to offer services pro-bono.
To get started, explore the consultants listed on the FRRR Expertise Pool then submit your Expression of Interest for a free consultation with the team and you’ll be matched to the right consultant.
How does matchmaking happen?
Community organisations have the liberty to peruse the expert directory and indicate specific preferences via EOI. The Social Impact Hub then works with groups to understanding the specific needs of the community organisation. Before recommending an expert, availability and interest of the expert will be confirmed. The decision rests with the community organisation to determine if they want Social Impact Hub to facilitate a warm introduction with an expert.
Do you have experts in Regional Australia?
Yes, we have experts from around Australia.
Can community organisations apply to work with a specific consultant?
It is designed to allow community organisations to consider their needs and identify preferred areas of expertise or individuals they are interested in working with.
What if we don’t know what kind of support we need?
Social Impact Hub can work with your organisation to understand what challenges you would like to overcome or opportunities you would like to take advantage of and suggest areas of expertise that could be beneficial to your organisation’s situation.
Is there a recommended scale of fees that could be charged?
Each expert determines their fees. In addition, some consultants are willing to offer services pro-bono.
How can I find out more?
Watch our recording from FRRR Expertise Pool Webinar.
Visit the FRRR Expertise Pool portal.
Contact Jay at Social Impact Hub on 02 8957 4978 or email jay@socialimpacthub.org.
Or email FRRR at futuredrought@frrr.org.au or call 03 5430 2399.
Please contact FRRR if you have any questions about the following information.
What does it cost to join and be part of the Pool?
There is no cost to join the FRRR Expertise Pool. Neither FRRR nor Social Impact Hub take any fee or commission for any referrals or paid advisory work that comes via the FRRR Expertise Pool. Consultants are connected directly with the group and manage invoicing directly.
What do consultants need to do to join?
Complete an Expression of Interest from Consultants, which is then assessed by Social Impact Hub. If the EOI is approved, applicants will be invited to an interview and reference checks will be conducted.
If successful, the expert is required to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreement. Once part of the Pool, they are required to undertake a commencement and end of project survey with client’s via the Pool. This is done to gather relevant client satisfaction and impact outcomes for all projects conducted via the Pool.
To learn more about what’s involved in joining the FRRR Expertise Pool, watch this video.
What are the criteria to join the Pool?
Experts need to fulfill several requirements. They must be seasoned and highly experienced with a proven track record of helping regional community organisations. The vetting process includes an interview and reference checking.
Why would a consultant join the Pool?
It’s a great way to grow your potential client base, as well as work on projects that are important to local communities. Being part of a selective and vetted register of seasoned and highly experienced consultants from around the country is an endorsement of your deep experience, reputation and track record.
Initially, the focus of the FRRR Expertise Pool was to support community organisations in the Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative. However, it’s now open to all Australian-based community and social purpose organisations. This not only widens the range of work but also amplifies the possible opportunities to increase your visibility as a remote, rural and regional expert.
We cannot guarantee any volume of referrals or work through joining the Expertise Pool.
Is there a priority for regions?
There are no priority regions where we are seeking experts, but you must be based in – or at least work in – remote, rural or regional areas.
Is there a closing date?
There is no specific closing date. Depending on demand and capacity, the EOIs may close and/or reopen periodically.
When will I hear the outcome of my Expression of Interest?
Social Impact Hub works through the EOIs received. Depending on the amount of EOIs to be considered at any one time, timeframes for outcomes may vary. Please contact Social Impact Hub for further information on your Expression of Interest.
Is the FRRR Expertise Pool open to ‘consulting organisations’ or just individuals?
The FRRR Expertise Pool is open to both individual consultants and consulting organisations.
My professional skills or services are not listed as an option on the EOI.
We are continually updating and improving the portal. Any feedback and suggestions are welcome.
Can community organisations apply to work with a specific consultant?
It is designed to allow community organisations to consider their needs and identify preferred areas of expertise or individuals they are interested in working with.
Can my profile state the regions that I am able to work in?
Social Impact Hub will seek this information when onboarding consultants and work to match preferences when talking with community organisations that are seeking expertise.
How does matchmaking happen?
Community organisations have the liberty to peruse the expert directory and indicate specific preferences via a separate EOI. The Social Impact Hub then works with groups to understanding the specific needs of the community organisation. Before recommending an expert, availability and interest of the expert will be confirmed. The decision rests with the community organisation to determine if they want Social Impact Hub to facilitate a warm introduction with an expert.
Is the Pool for paid work? Can you do some volunteering hours too?
The services offered within the Pool are primarily for paid work. If interested, we welcome consultants who are willing to offer services pro-bono and can discuss this during the onboarding stage.
Is there a recommended scale of fees that could be charged?
Each expert determines their fees.
Will interviews be conducted?
Interviews can be conducted on Zoom or via phone.
What can I expect in the interview?
Social Impact Hub will explore your professional experience, your previous work and your preferred methods of delivery.
What are the insurance requirements?
It is the responsibility of the experts to ensure they have appropriate insurance type and coverage.
Need some more help?
We have a large selection of resources on our Grantseeker Resources page to help you along the way.
