New report
shows faith communities and local infrastructure organisations
deliver more by working together
A new report released on 21 July 2008 shows that communities are
best served by local faith organisations and local infrastructure
organisations (LIOs) working together. This report was referred to
by Hazel Blears MP, Secretary of State for Communities and Local
Government in her speech on the Government's new inter-faith
strategy which was launched at Methodist Central Hall, Westminster
on 21 July 2008. The report,
'Believing in Local Action',
was commissioned by the Department for Communities and Local
Government (CLG) and carried out as a partnership between CLG, the
Church Urban Fund (CUF) and NAVCA (the National Association for
Voluntary and Community Action).
The report, conducted by an independent researcher,
highlights seven case studies where faith organisations and LIOs
are already working together to evidence what can be achieved. One
case study the report focuses on is in Stoke, where Voluntary
Action Stoke on Trent, Saltbox (the faith-based infrastructure
organisation) and the Race Equality Council work together closely
to avoid duplication in services they provide. This has led to
sharing of costs and resources, more funding being attracted and an
increase in the number of groups supported.
Sajid Hashmi, Chief Executive of VAST said:
"Colleagues have stopped fighting each other for the same
pots of money. The focus is involvement and participation rather
than gate-keeping".
Believing in Local Action presents seven actions for faith
organisations and LIOs that will enable them to use this research
to develop their own successful partnership working.
Kevin Curley, Chief Executive of NAVCA, said: "Faith-based
organisations are often working with the most disadvantaged and
socially excluded people. Clearly that makes it vital for them to
be linked into, and working with, wider third sector networks. This
is precisely what NAVCA's members are there to do. Maybe in the
past there has not been enough co-operation between faith groups
and local third sector organisations. When this happens local
people lose out. This report shows why NAVCA and CUF are working
together to break down barriers."
Billy Dann, Head of Grants &
Partnership, Church Urban Fund said, "This
publication shows some great examples of partnership working
between local infrastructure organisations and faith organisations
across the country. These examples of good practice should show the
way to other areas. By following some of the suggested actions put
forward by the research's author, Rosie Edwards, then this will
break down mistrust and stereotyping that can be held by both
sides. Simple things can make a big difference such as jointly
producing audits of faith based social action projects in the local
area, sharing resources, agreeing on common objectives, and running
joint training or learning events together. It is also important to
note that the case studies used cover a variety of different types
of places from around England including urban and rural
areas."