Stirling Council approves new partnership framework with Stirling’s third sector
Stirling Council has approved a new framework designed to strengthen the way the Council and Stirling’s third sector work together to improve lives and communities across the area.
The Stirling Civic Alliance sets out a shared approach for the Council and local charities, voluntary organisations, social enterprises and community groups to work together more effectively.
The Alliance recognises that the Council and the third sector each bring different knowledge, experience and strengths. By working well together, they can better understand what matters to local people, make better decisions and achieve better outcomes for communities.
The framework was developed by Stirlingshire Voluntary Enterprise (SVE), the third sector partnership and development agency for Stirling, after being commissioned by the Council in 2025. It has been shaped by people and organisations from across Stirling’s third sector, alongside Council colleagues.
Between November 2025 and August 2026, 103 people from 53 organisations took part in developing the framework. This included community groups, charities and organisations working in different parts of Stirling and across a range of communities.
Stirling Civic Alliance is designed so that organisations of all sizes can take part, from neighbourhood community groups to larger charities. It aims to make it easier for organisations to have a voice, work with the Council and play a meaningful role in shaping decisions that affect local communities.
The Alliance sets out commitments for both the Council and the third sector, including involving organisations earlier, creating clearer ways to work with the Council, making processes more proportionate and encouraging constructive challenge.
The aim is for partnership working to become part of everyday practice, rather than something that happens only on individual projects or consultations.
An 18-month action plan will now be developed, supported by the Council’s Thriving Communities Budget. A Stirling Civic Alliance Steering Group will oversee the launch of the framework, its action plan and ongoing review.
The Alliance will also connect with existing partnership work, including the development of the next Stirling Plan beyond 2027.
Natalie Masterson, Chief Executive of Stirlingshire Voluntary Enterprise, said:
“We are delighted that Stirling Council has approved Stirling Civic Alliance. This is an important step towards making sure the Council and the third sector can work together in a way that makes the most of our different strengths, knowledge and experience.
“The framework has been shaped by the organisations and people who understand their communities and know what partnership looks like in practice. I am grateful to everyone who has shared their experience, ideas and challenge throughout the process.
“Approval is the start rather than the finish. We want to see this framework turn into everyday practice, with stronger relationships, better decisions and, most importantly, better outcomes for people and communities across Stirling.”
Stirling Council Leader, Cllr Susan McGill said:
"Strong communities are built on strong partnerships, and the Stirling Civic Alliance recognises the essential contribution that our third sector, community groups and other organisations make to the lives of people across Stirling."
"By creating this strong, clear and collaborative framework for the Council and the third sector to work together, we can draw on shared strengths and resources to create a place where everyone thrives."
"We are committed to using the principles of the framework to deliver better-informed decisions and meaningful action that secures lasting benefits for our communities."
Read the full Stirling Civic Alliance Report here.
