“None of us are as smart as all of us.”

The public, third and not-for-profit sectors are united in their commitment to serve the public. Meaningful collaboration between national government, local government and charities, though challenging, promises to deliver better outcomes for citizens.  

Public bodies currently face scrutiny on their ability to deliver efficient and effective services. At our latest Chairs’ Challenge event, PCF members, joined by representatives from the public and third sectors, explored alternative mechanisms for public service delivery. Considering a future where cross-sector partnership is the norm, they discussed the opportunities presented by collaboration and the merits of taking a holistic approach to public service delivery, playing to the strengths of each sector.

With thanks to our panel of invited guests:

• Baroness Stedman Scott OBE DL, Parliamentary Under-Secretary at the Department for Work and Pensions and Parliamentary Secretary at the Cabinet Office
• Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol
• Reverend Steve Chalke MBE, Founder, Oasis Charity

The value of collaboration

Collaboration between government and the third sector promises to deliver better outcomes for the public. Allowing for a greater a diversity of perspectives, the sectors are united in their ambition to provide better services for the public.  

For collaboration to flourish, a great deal of trust and open communication is needed. Participants discussed the opportunity for government and charities to work together in a partnership of equals, allowing for more innovation and dynamism in their approaches to service delivery. 

To encourage greater collaboration, members argued the need for long-term strategic approaches. They considered the importance of evidencing the social impact of partnership, to make the case for investment beyond the short-term funding cycles.

The third sector has a great deal to offer

Often tuned into the interests and needs of the local population, charities and local government invest heavily in nurturing community relationships and have a host of volunteers ready to be mobilised.

Participants discussed the resilience shown during the Covid-19 pandemic. Social relationships are perceived to have reduced the burden on public services.

Members discussed the value that should be placed on these social relationships, suggesting that community action might be included as an important measure of social impact.

The journey may be long, but worth it

Forging meaningful collaboration between the public and third sectors is likely to be a challenging and yet worthwhile journey. Members discussed the connectedness of public services at national and local level, remarking that a holistic approach is needed to meet citizens’ need.

Members agreed that collaboration between the public, third and not-for-profit sectors is somewhat inevitable due to increasing drives for efficiencies. To ensure that effective partnerships are built, they stressed the need for the sectors to meet as equals, open-minded to learn from one another and develop new ways to approach old problems.