Strengthening collaboration: a resource for engaging smaller VCSE organisations

At the South East London VCSE Strategic Alliance, we're always on the lookout for valuable resources that can help us and our partners enhance collaboration and support within our communities. We are excited to share a fantastic resource from the Local Government Association: the good practice guide on “Working with Local Infrastructure Organisations to Engage Smaller VCFSE Organisations.”

Why this resource Matters

This guide, created by the National Association for Voluntary and Community Action (NAVCA), is an excellent example of how local councils and local infrastructure organisations (LIOs) can work together to engage and support smaller voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise (VCFSE) organisations. Smaller VCFSE organisations play a crucial role in reaching underserved communities, offering flexibility and agility in service delivery, and building local capacity. However, they often face significant challenges in accessing resources and support.

Key takeaways from the guide

• Building Strong Relationships: The guide emphasises the importance of developing trust and mutual respect between councils and smaller VCFSE organisations. Investing time in understanding the unique strengths and challenges of these organisations is essential.
• Facilitating Partnerships: Encouraging collaboration between VCFSE organisations and other stakeholders can amplify their impact and create a more cohesive support network. This is a key strategy for enhancing the effectiveness of service delivery.
• Providing Capacity-Building Support: Offering training, resources, and funding opportunities helps smaller organisations build their capacity and sustainability. This support is crucial for enabling these organisations to grow and thrive.
• Ensuring Inclusivity: Engagement efforts must be inclusive and representative of the diverse communities served by VCFSE organisations. This ensures that all voices are heard and that services are tailored to meet the needs of all community members.

How we can apply these practices

By following the steps outlined in the guide, LIOs can:

• Enhance engagement efforts: By building stronger relationships and facilitating partnerships, we can ensure that smaller organisations are well-supported and integrated into the broader community network.
• Boost capacity-building initiatives: Providing targeted training and resources will help smaller organisations develop the skills and capabilities they need to succeed.
• Promote inclusivity: Ensuring that engagement efforts are inclusive and representative will help us better serve our diverse communities.

This guide was developed with contributions from councillors, council officers, staff of Local Infrastructure Organisations (LIOs), and local VCSE organisations. It is based on real-life conversations and workshops that gathered specific information on culture, practice, mechanisms, and barriers to partnership working.