Stirling Civic Alliance - Consultation Summary

Stirling Council has commissioned SVE to develop a structured model to support engagement and joint working between the Council and community organisations.

The model will set out different levels of involvement — from simple communication and recognition, all the way through to planning together and jointly delivering services or projects. Each level will explain what community organisations can expect from the Council, and what the Council can expect in return.

Although the final outcomes will be shaped jointly as the model is developed, the overall aims are to:

•Build stronger trust and more effective collaboration between the Council and community organisations

•Allow community organisations to take part at a level that suits their capacity, ambition, and experience

•Highlight and support the vital role community organisations play in improving outcomes for local people, and promote greater community empowerment

The model will also help ensure that support — including grant funding, in-kind help, and access to Council-owned community assets — is offered in a consistent and transparent way.

Finally, the model will be designed so it can grow and adapt over time. This may include adding tools such as capacity-building resources, recognition and reward opportunities, and other supports that help community organisations thrive.

SVE held its Breakfast Club Consultation on 18 November at Forth Valley College, formed a key part of the development of the model. Over 60 attendees from 40+ organisations made the morning busy and greatly insightful, reflecting the expertise of our local third sector. 

You can read the full summary paper, which includes the next steps for the project. View the session slides here.