By Ethel Bangwayo
Strategic Engagement Officer: Herts CVS Group
The Office of the Third Sector (OTS) has produced a Thriving Third Sector ‘user guide’, a compilation of ideas for improving the environment for a thriving Third Sector. It is envisaged that the guide will be useful for both the statutory and the third sector.
The report identifies five major issues affecting the environment in which the Third Sector can thrive:
- Strengthening partnership working
Many agencies deal with numerous Third Sector organisations through their front-line staff but do not look at these relationships strategically. Engaging with the Third Sector may not be a matter of new obligations but of improving existing relationships and becoming more aware of the role they play in facilitating the particular service they are concerned with.
- Improving communication and influence
‘Third sector representatives carry far more weight with LSP partners when they are accountable to the wider sector, and they have a greater legitimacy when they have consulted and communicated widely …. Representatives with an authoritative voice … strengthen the sector’s participation in LSPs …’
Source: Communities and Local Government (CLG), OTS and National Association for Voluntary and Community Action (NAVCA) Principles of Representation, CLG 2008
- Bringing hidden contact alive
NI7 survey results suggest that while a good central strategy at the LSP level is vital, it is not a substitute for positive high quality direct relationships between every public sector agency and third sector organisations. Relationships with councillors are also part of this role.
- Supporting the whole sector, especially smaller groups
Local Authorities should consider how they can provide more effective community development support, either directly or through Third Sector facilities, to build up the strength of local community groups. This could be by better training for community development or use of a wide variety of empowerment techniques, strengthening community groups to build up social capital, community cohesion and community influence (CLG, 2008).
- Improving the funding relationship and economic dimension
Decision-making on financial aspects of Third Sector activity should also link strongly with influence, communication and consultation. Third Sector bodies need to be given the opportunity to share in decision-making when times are hard, just as much as other times. Experience within the sector is an important consideration to help ensure that maximum value is obtained from limited resources.
