The document discusses cooperation and collaboration challenges facing Newham's voluntary sector. A survey found that people are more willing to collaborate on issues they care about, and cooperation provides a stronger voice. While experience with networks is positive, obstacles to collaboration include lack of time and flexible meetings. Recommendations include that the NVSC facilitate networks to address needs, share information, and learn from each other. The NVSC could also take a role as coordinator and advocate to strengthen the sector's voice.

1. Cooperation and Collaboration:
A report on challenges facing Newham's
voluntary, community and faith sectors
NVSC Sector Meeting – 17 September 2013
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SURVEY RESULTS

2. Cooperation and Collaboration
Key values of the not-for-profit sector
People are more willing to collaborate
on issues they are passionate about
Cooperation is not just about funding
but about building trust and respect
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3. Cooperation and Collaboration
Working together gives us a stronger voice
There are many voices, not one
The prospect of future council funding
for a not-for-profit umbrella body
in Newham is remote
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4. Cooperation and Collaboration
Experience of collaboration within networks is
overwhelmingly positive
74% said their experience was
'positive' or 'very positive'
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5. Cooperation and Collaboration
Collaborating not just about joint funding bids
● a strong focus on addressing specific needs of local people
● involving groups with a shared interest in tackling these needs
● networks that encourage greater sharing of information
● people within these networks who are able to make decisions
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6. Cooperation and Collaboration
The obstacles to closer cooperation and greater
collaboration are complex
●
a lack of sector-led collaborative networks or
●
a lack of knowledge of their existence
●
increasing pressures on time
●
less flexibility about the timings of meetings
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7. Cooperation and Collaboration
Local groups want well organised
'learning networks' that also provide a voice
●
networks or forums with a clear work programme
●
networks or forums with a named point of contact
●
a shared voice in a network's area of interest
●
opportunities to learn from other groups
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8. Cooperation and Collaboration
There is scope for the development of new
collaborative networks in Newham
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10. Recommendations
Local infrastructure organisations, including
NVSC, should make the case for closer
cooperation and greater collaboration.
We should persuade local groups that
participating in a network or forum is a good
investment of time and energy.
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11. Recommendations
NVSC is best placed to become the facilitator for
local cooperation and collaboration within
Newham’s not-for-profit sector
– effectively the ‘network of networks’
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12. Recommendations
NVSC could also develop a role as
‘think-tank’ for Newham’s
not-for-profit sector
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13. Recommendations
NVSC should champion - and local
infrastructure organisations should support –
the 'Charter for Effective Networks in Newham'
set out in the report.
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14. Recommendations
NVSC should examine in more depth
the survey data indicating scope for the
development of new collaborative
networks in Newham
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15. Recommendations
NVSC should consult its members on what
'membership' of the organisation means in the
current climate
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16. Recommendations
If NVSC did not exist, local infrastructure
organisations would need to invent it
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17. Questions
Will closer cooperation and greater
collaboration work in Newham?
Does the not-for -profit sector need a borough-
level organisation to coordinate this?
Are networks of shared interests the best way
to strengthen the 'voice' of the sector?
Would you still become a member of NVSC?
COOPERATION AND COLLABORATION IN NEWHAM │ NVSC
SURVEY RESULTS