Collaboration, Partnership and Support (COPS) Programme Launch

Exists to Strengthen and Support the development of voluntary organisations and community groups in Southwark in order that they can help improve the quality of life for local people.

Anecdotal evidence / Observations of development workers Environment scanning Challenges for voluntary sector organisations

54.7% (of 121 respondents so far) expect to increase collaboration with other organisations over the next year. Of 78 responses 58% did not share resources with other organisations. Of those that do share resources, things highlighted were; premises, payroll, renting space to other organisations, IT, Accountancy, training of volunteers

 Explore different models of collaboration which will help voluntary organisations make informed and rational decisions about future approaches in relation to collaborative working  To provide practical learning to voluntary organisations wishing to collaborate about models of collaboration to increase organisational resilience, efficiency and relevance  To provide a bespoke support service for voluntary organisations to facilitate the development of collaborative working arrangements.

Overall outcome Increased support, understanding and application of collaborative working practices in VCOs. Expected Outcomes  Increased understanding, confidence and ability to collaborate amongst community and voluntary organisations in Southwark  Increased collaborative and joint working as a result of participation in this programme  Developing a culture of collaboration in Southwark.

 Think (online resources)  Learn (Training sessions)  Support (Consultancy)

 Speed dating  Themed sessions (e.g. health and social care / Children / older people / mental health)  Developing resources  Guest speakers

 Find the perfect partner  Discuss about different organisational cultures  Have the space to think about how collaboration will affect an organisation  Discuss deal breakers, identity, legal framework and different models of collaboration

 December 2011 – Jan 2013  Two organisations both working with older people  Council recommended they find a way of working together

Facilitated a conversation with both trustee boards.  What type of collaboration would make most sense for both groups?  Exercises to explore deal-breakers / culture / pensions / due diligence / stakeholders  Recommended they fix timeframe to make decision  Commented on Partnership agreement

 Reduced budget in Southwark  Changes to the way adult services are commissioned from grant to contract  Initial consultation  Core of 7 organisations  Mix of large and small groups

Draft Mem of understanding Facilitated discussion with the council commissioners about COPSIN Produced a report about their fundraising / monitoring and evaluation and marketing.

 Found that groups were overlapping on the funding they were applying for  There was scope for partners to increase signposting and share training and resources  To strengthen the partnership at a strategic level, the group should invest more time to actively engage Trustees in the partnership

What are your drivers for collaboration? What brought you along to this event?

 Support across geographical boundaries  Potential collaboration with LVSC 

 What would make a programme like this a success for you?  Support needs for collaboration: what do you need in terms of support with collaboration and merger from 2 nd tier organisations?

 Programme of training  Consultancy support  Online resources  Contact for more information or support on partnership and collaborative 