Cross-sector engagement

It is widely acknowledged that increased collaboration between the voluntary and statutory sectors is key to delivering improved services for children, young people and families.

However, it is also acknowledged that there are a number of challenges that need to be overcome before real and effective examples of collaboration between the two sectors, particularly where the voluntary and community sector (VCS) may lead on the agenda or delivery, can be achieved. 

These challenges come in many forms and include, but are not limited to, the willingness and ability of local authorities to engage with the VCS and the VCS having the knowledge, skills and and capacity to participate in statutory sector processes.

The recent Hearts and Minds report from the Audit Commission argues that ‘government initiatives to strengthen the voluntary sector’s ability to deliver public services have had limited success’ and that ‘capacity-building programmes do not show substantial local impact, to date’.

Our work

VCS Engage is addressing a number of priority areas to support mutual understanding and increased collaboration between the sectors.

VCS Engage commissioned NAVCA to carry out a baseline study, reviewing the current levels of engagement between LAs and the VCS. The research has found that while some LAs have been proactive in developing structures and processes to encourage VCS involvement, others have been slower to implement mechanisms to ensure the sector’s participation.

Click here to download the full report or report summary.

Addressing the issues highlighted in the report, VCS Engage is developing a self-evaluation tool designed to help local authorities assess their current levels of engagement with local VCS service providers. Where areas for development are identified, the programme will provide individual support to authorities around strengthening collaborative approaches. The tool is currently being piloted and will be rolled out in full towards the end of 2007.

VCS Engage is also developing case studies that highlight methods of good practice in cross-sector engagement. These will be made available on the website over the coming weeks.

Regional development managers (RDMs) employed by VCS Engage and situated within the nine Government Office regions, are also working to help establish links and build relations between the local VCS and Government Office (GO).

The RDMs have made great progress in establishing effective platforms for cross-sector engagement, and there is real evidence of increased commitment by the GOs to work in partnership with the VCS. Contact details for all of the RDMs can be found on the contact us page.

The programme acknowledges that the VCS needs more help if they are able to proactively engage with their local authorities. Visit our training page to find out how the programme is helping to equip the VCS with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively participate in statutory sector structures and processes.

 

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