GB-London: Research report into the state of strategic relationships between councils and their local voluntary and community sector

The research will need to set out why a healthy voluntary and community sector (VCS) benefits councils, as well as the benefits effective strategic relationships with VCS stakeholders can bring to them. In doing so, the commissioned project leads for this project will work with councils and their local voluntary and community sectors to understand what types of formal and informal relationships already exist, who they are held between and what level of infrastructure is required to maintain effective relationships. The research will highlight good practice and areas where councils can develop their learning and approach, as well as key policy principles that underpin these relationships in the form of deep dive case studies.

For the purpose of this document, the term voluntary and community sector should be understood in its broadest sense, including formal and informal community groups as well as registered charities and infrastructure organisations and social enterprises that are both funded and not funded by the council. Looking at a breadth of organisations in this sector will enable the researchers to examine if relationships with certain organisations are easier to create and maintain than others and what factors shape this. There is a more in-depth discussion of this term in the introduction and background section.

The project should aim to capture long-standing relationships between councils and their local voluntary and community sector which are beneficial to both sides, alongside new and emerging relationships developed throughout COVID-19 - particularly with regard to the various forms of mutual aid networks which were set up within communities in response to the pandemic.

The final output of the project will be a report that identifies the state of strategic reltaionships across different local areas and the key components needed for an effective relationship between councils and local VCS. The final report will begin by highlighting the importance of a healthy voluntary and community sector to councils and council officers, and the benefits that a strategic relationship between the two stakeholders can bring.

It will also summarise existing research, trends, policy recommendations and principles needed for a strong relationship, as well as provide examples of strong and emerging relationships councils have with their VCS already. Researchers will be expected to consult with relevant stakeholders, such as councils and voluntary and community sector organisations, through a nuanced and engaging methodology that will be finalised with the LGA project leads.