VP Training & HR Blog - November 2008

Assalaamu alaikum,

Below is an outline of the work that I have done since being elected in July 2008.

Team FOSIS training

This year, we took the decision to provide training to team FOSIS on a committee level rather than as one weekend during the summer. This was mainly because we felt that it would be more effective at providing a tailor-made meeting which can combine induction training with committee planning.

The training delivered by ISCC, Sabeen Akhund, Obada Sawalha included:
• An introduction to FOSIS
• Project management
• Planning for the year
• Online communications training (for committee general secretaries)
• Online website training
• National Executive Committee training

Jazakum Allah khair to all those who delivered the training sessions and gave feedback on what training was needed.

All the FOSIS training has been compiled into one document for it to be made available for future committees insha'Allah.

Buddying network

In an attempt to improve the support network within Team FOSIS and learn from each other's experiences, a buddying network was set up early in the year. The aim was to pair up members of Team FOSIS, ideally within committees. This was to be co-ordinated by the general secretaries of each committee. Alhamdullilah, after taking a bit of time to be implemented, a structure is now in place. However, as this is a very new project to FOSIS it is still being evaluated to find the best way to make this structure effective.
The concerns have been around the following:
• Lack of clarity in how it can be utilised and where 'to go with it' once members have a buddy
• Not appealing enough- needs to be presented in a more appealing manner
• Whether it is best suited to an organisation like FOSIS

In response to these concerns, we are looking at ways of changing the buddying network to make it more appealing and accessible. I feel that it is important to give it a 'good try' before we decide whether such a structure is useful to FOSIS. I believe that the structure definitely has potential to be a strong structure on which FOSIS can be built. In the long term, it can be a great way of recruiting people in a way which is not only based on me 'knowing someone who knows someone who knows someone', for example.

Away weekend

In an effort to strengthen the Team FOSIS bonds, a weekend of team-building,
brotherhood/sisterhood strengthening, self-learning and spiritual motivation is being organised insha'Allah for the second term, lead by Sarah Junaid.

Team FOSIS has given so much to FOSIS and this is an opportunity for us to feed our minds and bodies. Insha'Allah, this will help us focus on why we are involved in FOSIS and give us that boost to keep ticking!

Online reminders

The 1st of November saw the launch of the first of the bi-weekly online reminders sent by a member of the NEC to Team FOSIS. This is another avenue for us to develop ourselves and also gain an insight into those running the various committees in FOSIS.

Recruitment strategy

This is an area which is yet to progress, insha'Allah. Members of the NEC in the past initiated a few documents which outline a strategy for recruitment as well as provide handbooks for those involved in FOSIS.

My aim this year is to build on this insha'Allah in an effort to provide clarity in the recruitment process that FOSIS adopts and to ensure that those joining FOSIS do not feel unsupported or unclear about their role or FOSIS.

I am currently in the process of starting this stage and will update you with progress as it happens insha'Allah (via FOSIS blogs!).

Sacred Sciences project

Led by Huma Abbasi, the planning for this project was initiated last year and has temporarily stopped due to resource limitations. The project is aimed at delivering basic Islamic knowledge through leaflets and webinars. Insha'Allah the aim is for this to be launched during the second term.

Supporting Role- President/Other committees

Centre for Social Cohesion

The FOSIS year began with the release of a report by the Centre for Social Cohesion. I was involved in the initial response to the report- more details, see SAC section.
Student Affairs Committee

My input has mainly been into the NUS governance review and Muslim Student Survey. For more information, see SAC section.

Documentation

In an effort to improve the way FOSIS functions and coordinate more effectively we are working hard to improve the way we document things such as organisations we are in contact with and the way in which projects are proposed. Obviously, change is always a slow process but alhamdullilah the NEC and Team FOSIS have had a positive mindset since the start of the year which has served FOSIS well in being the change we want to see!

The coming term

I aim to focus on the following insha'Allah:
• Buddying network- another go!
• Away weekend
• Recruitment- putting a strategy in place
• Sacred sciences- launching
• Continue my supporting role wherever needed

Please forgive me for my shortcomings and remember us all in your duas and that Allah (SWT) grants us sincerity in any work we do. Ameen

Rayan Aldouri

VP Training & HR