Starcatchers

To address these challenges and explore new strategic growth opportunities, Starcatchers participated in the CultureXcelerator programme, a business support programme for the cultural sector delivered by Social Investment Scotland (SIS) and Creative Scotland. 

Through the programme, Judith Anderson, Head of Development & Operations at Starcatchers, worked closely with SIS Associate Jane Wilson to explore the concept of a Centre of Excellence. Despite limited time due to funding pressures, involvement in CultureXcelerator resulted in a clearer plan for this organisational development, enhanced leadership skills, and a solid foundation for future growth.

The Starcatchers senior leadership team, like many cultural organisations, were mindful of its reliance on public funding which is subject to fluctuations and uncertainties. Furthermore, the organisation works in a complex operating landscape with multiple stakeholders and competing priorities. This resulted in Judith Anderson, Head of Development & Operations at Starcatchers, recognising the importance of allocating ringfenced time to pursue ambitious goals including the development of a Centre of Excellence model and mapping out a path to turn this goal into reality.

Judith applied to CultureXcelerator, a business support programme run in collaboration between Social Investment Scotland and Creative Scotland viewing it as a unique opportunity tailored to the cultural sector. The programme was fully funded, which was a significant factor in their decision. Additionally, Judith had recently completed a leadership programme focused on organisational sustainability and saw CultureXcelerator as a valuable opportunity to continue her development. The straightforward application process made it easier for her and her team to apply.

Starcatchers was matched with SIS Associate Jane Wilson whose significant experience in strategic growth and stakeholder engagement was invaluable in exploring and refining the concept of a Centre of Excellence. Furthermore, Jane used her expertise to make recommendations on how Starcatchers could best tell their story highlighting the importance of identifying external advocates of the organisation, which was a new idea to the team.

Working with a SIS Associate enabled Starcatchers to finally fully explore the potential of a Centre of Excellence. Jane's fresh perspective helped the organisation visualise this as a crucial part of their wider vision for sustainable growth and impact. Despite the time constraints imposed by the funding environment, Judith and Jane made significant progress in their work together. 

The CultureXcelerator had a significant impact on Starcatchers’ longer-term strategic planning. Firstly, a clear proposal for the Centre of Excellence was developed which outlines the potential benefits, operational implications, and challenges. This will feed into the organisation’s wider, ambitious strategic plan to move towards a more sustainable model. Although the Centre of Excellence concept has not yet moved to the next phase of implementation, the experience of the CultureXcelerator programme provided a valuable foundation for partnership conversations that are currently taking place regarding evolutions in how the company might operate in 2025. Furthermore, participation in the programme has strengthened Starcatchers' capacity and resilience. As an unanticipated benefit of the program, Judith gained the focus and confidence to pursue the ambitious project, even in the face of competing operational issues.