The recent webinar titled Contract Readiness for VCSEs: Building Partnerships and Consortia, held on November 26, 2024, was a significant event aimed at empowering voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs) in England. With 45 attendees, the session provided valuable insights into the world of strategic partnerships and consortium building, essential for enhancing the capabilities and reach of these organisations.
Speakers
The session featured notable speakers including:
- Kunle Olulode MBE, Director at Voice4Change England
- Dr Sharmin Shajahan, Deputy Director at Voice4Change England
- Sam Haydock, Head of Learning at the School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE)
Each speaker brought a wealth of experience and knowledge to the discussion, enriching the learning experience for all participants.
Key Takeaways from the Webinar
Understanding the Benefits: Â
Participants learned how forming partnerships and consortia can significantly enhance an organisation’s position, improve resource access, and foster innovation. The speakers emphasised that collaboration could lead to greater social value in public service delivery.
Identifying the Right Partners: Â
The webinar offered strategies for identifying compatible partners that align with organisational goals and values. This is crucial for ensuring that partnerships are mutually beneficial and sustainable.
Managing Expectations and Risks:
Attendees gained insights into essential elements of partnership agreements, including roles, responsibilities, and risk management strategies. Understanding these components is vital for successful collaboration.
Building Trust and Collaboration:Â
Practical tips were shared on fostering strong working relationships and ensuring effective communication within partnerships. This aspect is particularly important in maintaining healthy dynamics among consortium members.
Audience Engagement
Feedback from participants indicated a positive reception of the content delivered during the webinar. Poll results showed that 36% of attendees felt their understanding of partnership working increased "a lot," while 63% reported a "somewhat" increase. The overall usefulness of the webinar was rated highly, with many attendees scoring it between 8 and 10 out of 10.
Future Directions
The webinar was part of the VCSE Contract Readiness Programme, a collaborative initiative led by SSE in partnership with Social Enterprise UK and Voice4Change England. This program aims to equip VCSEs with the skills necessary to compete effectively for public sector contracts.
For those who missed this enlightening session, keep an eye out for future webinars under the VCSE Contract Readiness Programme, as they continue to provide essential resources for charities and social enterprises aiming to thrive in public sector procurement.
Ditipriya Acharya,
Senior Media, Marketing and Communications Officer
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