Residents across the Big Local programme worked collaboratively and in partnership to deliver plans and achieve change.
They built on the assets within their communities, and worked with local people, groups and organisations to:
Big Local areas also acted as convenors, bringing together the different stakeholders within their communities to share information, collaborate and join up work.
Although they were delivering within a hyperlocal context, partnerships often had to work with organisations and government structures operating at local, regional or national levels. This meant navigating complicated structures and the often-challenging realities of working with other power holders.
The nature, quality and effectiveness of the relationships across, and within areas, varied. Areas with strong relationships with ‘external’ organisations were generally better able to deliver their plans and achieve what they set out to.
In addition, the role and depth of the relationships they held also ranged from commissioning and co-producing services around shared goals, to contracting, grant funding and information sharing.
Each relationship was unique and dynamic, requiring time, skill and support to maintain. Support was available to residents to enable them to build effective relationships. Many partnerships allocated funds to paid workers to help them establish and maintain relationships with the people, groups and organisations needed to deliver their Big Local plans.
Through this way of working, Big Local areas across the programme have:
