Stirling Civic Alliance Report goes to Full Council
Over the past year, Stirlingshire Voluntary Enterprise has worked with Stirling Council and the third sector to develop a new framework for how we work together. On Thursday 8 October, Stirling Council will consider the resulting report, Stirling Civic Alliance: A New Partnership Framework between Stirling Council and the Third Sector.
The work was commissioned by Stirling Council in 2025. It recognised that although there are many examples of good joint working, the relationship can feel inconsistent and too reliant on individual contacts rather than clear, shared ways of working.
Shaped by the sector
Between November 2025 and August 2026, 103 people from 53 organisations took part in the work. This included SVE Breakfast Clubs, dedicated rural engagement sessions in Killearn and online, one-to-one conversations and three sessions with Council officers.
A co-design group of third sector organisations shaped the framework from the start, working alongside Council colleagues. Members included community development trusts, equalities organisations, social enterprises, and arts and sports groups. What people told us about trust, earlier involvement, clearer routes into the Council and proportionate processes sits at the heart of the report.
What is Stirling Civic Alliance?
The Stirling Civic Alliance is a shared framework for how the Council and the third sector can work together more consistently, openly and effectively. It includes:
- A shared vision and five principles: Trust, Respect, Inclusion, Courage and disruption, and Outcomes driven.
- Four Spheres of Partnership (Connected, Engaged, Collaborating and Co-Governance), so organisations of every size can engage in the way that suits them and move between spheres as circumstances change.
- Shared commitments from both Stirling Council and the third sector.
- An 18-month action plan.
The report recommends that the Council recognises Stirling Civic Alliance as the framework for strengthening its relationship with the third sector, and that a Steering Group is established to launch it and take it forward.
Watch full council
The report will be discussed as Item 7 on the agenda: "Stirling Civic Alliance, Framework for Partnership Working with Communities and Third Sector". You can watch the discussion live on Thursday 8 October.
Meeting of Stirling Council - Thursday 8 October 2026, 10:00am - Stirling Council streaming
What happens next
Subject to the Council's decision, we will share next steps after Thursday, including how organisations can sign up and get involved. If you have any questions, please contact Rachel@sventerprise.org.uk
Natalie Masterson, Chief Executive of SVE, said: "The third sector in Stirling is ready to deliver on the vision, principles and commitments that will lead to transformational change for our communities. We look forward to working with Stirling Council to make this vision a reality."
