What does a Project Manager do?
Projects in the Third Sector are about impact, rather than income.Theydeliver much needed servicesand make a real differenceto the issues and communities they serve. Project Managers in the sector deal withunique challenges and need tools, techniques and support thatare tailored to meet these.
Project Management is the application of processes, methods, knowledge, skills and experience to achieve the project objectives.The role of a Project Manager is to be responsible for the successful initiation, planning, design, execution, monitoring, controlling and closure of a project. The role of the project manager is an intensive role, requiring specialised Project Management knowledge, skills and experience.
Project Management is more than simply planning or controlling the project’s delivery. It requires strategic thinking, leadership and influencing skills. A Project Manager must be able to inspire stakeholders and their delivery team. They will need to be able to liaise with people throughout the business chain and gain support from senior management and other areas of the business (such as HR, Marketing and Finance).
They must be good at problem solving and managing conflict. They must be able to predict the future. They will need to be able to provide accurate financial forecasts, anticipate risks and issues that may occur and know where, when and how delivery will take place. They need to be mind-readers, understanding what stakeholders, partners, funders, managers, team members and project beneficiaries want, need and expect from the project and try to respond to these various (and sometimes competing) demands.
One of the most critical skills a PM must have is people management skills. All the PM qualifications in the world will not create a successful project manager if they are not able to form good working relationships with their team. Good PMs do not micro manage – they delegate with confidence in their team and ensure team members are supported and developed.
Simply put, a good project manager can be the difference between success and failure. Time spent on Project Management is crucial as it allows you to look at how to use your resources most effectively, streamline processes, avoid risks and deal with issues, ensure quality and continuously improve delivery. In short, work smarter not harder!
Project Managers and Project Management principles, methods and tools are widely used in the private sector and specialised elements have been developed for many industries where projects are a core element of their business, such as construction, IT, engineering and manufacturing.
Incorporating feedback from Third Sector organisations and Project Management professionals, PM3 – Project Management for the Third Sector, hasdesigned a framework specifically for Project Managers in the Third Sector.
We want to ensure that your projects and yourProject Managershave access to the expertise and resources they need to be successful and offer sector specific Project Management training and workshops. In addition we offera range of services, from high level support through consultancy, to low level support through peer networking.Our services are flexible to meet with your needs and we can offer both in-house services and bespoke services to suit you.
Bookings are now being taken for Project Management workshops in early 2016. For more information please go to For more information on our consultancy and support services please view the website or contact us at