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Our Approach to Local Collaboration

An evidence-based approach for effective community action

Through almost a decade of learning with and from Community Investment Committees, we have developed a framework that guides organisations and groups to harness the expertise in their community and work effectively together.

Across the services sector, many organisations have developed or adopted approaches to working directly with service participants and building partnerships in community. However, there is little practice guidance currently available for organisations and people to engage in intentional, multi-sectoral place-based collaboration.

A practice approach is an intentional way of working that guides how we act, work together and move towards the goals we want to achieve.

The National Youth Employment Body’s Community Investment Committee Practice Guide includes practical tips and tools for effective local collaboration, from build a vision to action-planning to advocating for change.

A Practice Approach for Local Action

Our approach to local collaboration centres around four “practice elements” that guide how we bring people together around a shared vision, drive action, involve diverse voices and measure and communicate our impact. 

Influencing change in the systems that are holding problems in place

Key actions:

  • Scope the conditions holding problems in place
  • Define a change ambition
  • Take action

Facilitating collaboration
for action around a shared vision

Key actions:

  • Connect people around a shared vision
  • Value contribution and innovation
  • Drive new processes for collaborative action

Building and using evidence to inform and demonstrate approaches that work

Key actions:

  • Use data to understand and inform
  • Use evidence to learn and adapt
  • Demonstrate what works

Leading co-design in place with the right people to solve systemic issues

Key actions: 

  • Follow clear processes
  • Bring together diverse knowledge and experience
  • Innovate and learn together