Stories, reflection and learning from the NTW partnership

7 partners

Front-line connectors were employed by seven partners. GYBC Neighbourhood Managers led the teams on the frontline, and the partners, the employing organisations, were responsible for target achievement, performance, and pastoral care. Making this complicated picture work was tough. The experience of working through it together however has been highly valuable; it reduced competition between the organisations and workers learnt a lot about each other's roles and organisations. Interorganisational, personal centred, collaborative approaches to supporting people became the norm.

Measuring/capturing the data in a meaningful way

Whilst we had numerical targets, we knew that we were particularly interested in the backstory to target achievement- the nuance, the 'little differences that made the difference'. Capturing this kind of data in a useable form was a huge challenge. After much searching, NTW developed its own bespoke database, recording a huge range of activity from multiple individual contacts to group events. The content is detailed and intricate, but its subsequent complexity and density has made it a challenge to analyse. Importantly however, we ensured that through capturing 'what was significant' for a person, allowed us to gradually track the progression in individuals and the stories of community development, rather than just count the number.

Changes

Since 2015, both political and executive leadership in Great Yarmouth Borough Council have changed. Changes in senior management resulted in a loss of senior organisational memory, but a change in personnel also brought new ideas and insights. Changes in partner organisation strategic personnel have impacted and created change over the programme's lifecycle. However, with a good level of operational and strategic continuity within the programme, NTW has been able to grow, adapt deliver, and diversify - highlighting the value of relationships.

Complexity

Recognising the complexity of situations and responding appropriately requires flexibility and adaptability. The context in which social support and interventions are undertaken is constantly changing, so it was crucial that the NTW framework was flexible enough to reflect and adapt to change, in order for the right support to be given and received. The Lottery has been supportive of this way of working from the start, uniquely enabling the programme and the funder to experience the journey together.

Bespoke solutions are possible

Neighbourhoods That Work has supported thousands of people - every story has a unique set of activities that enabled a positive outcome for a person.

Collaboration

Collaboration between partners is now the norm. Organisations are much more likely to run projects together, call on each other for complementary activity, and compete less for funding opportunities through joint work. Equally, this collaboration has enabled smaller VCSEs to access large scale funding, such as European Social Fund, through collaborating with bigger VCSEs and institutions like the college.