Reflections from our September Community of Practice
Just a few days into starting as a Consultant at Renaisi, I joined the Community of Practice to learn about the emerging findings from Renaisi’s new inquiry into how to sustain place-based systems change. Here’s what I learned.
In our most recent Community of Practice meeting, Kezia Jackson-Harman, Principal Consultant in Place and Systems Change at Renaisi, talked us through three different models for sustaining place-based systems change that the team had identified through this inquiry: The Anchor Model, the Coalition Model, and the Integration Model.
The team developed these models through a quick analysis of the research, evaluation reports and their own learning from programmes that they have been involved in throughout an over 25 year long history of place-based work. Each model was examined in terms of the funding, infrastructure, processes and relationships that enable it to successfully sustain place-based systems change. Kezia outlined how many of the large, multi-site, place-based systems change programmes funded by public sector and philanthropic funders over the past 10 years have been driven by one of the models.
These models are just the beginning of Renaisi’s work of mapping out how to sustain place-based systems change. They are not mutually exclusive or exhaustive. Many projects will begin with the focus of one model and progress to the others. As our inquiry progresses, we will build on these models to develop a robust typology for approaches to sustaining place-based systems change, to support those delivering, funding and supporting place-based systems change work to build models that last and grow.
In breakout groups, we explored these models in more depth. Participants resonated with the models, being able to see their experiences of place-based systems change reflected across all three. These conversations delved into some of questions practitioners are grappling with as they build and fund models for place-based systems change. Three common themes discussed across breakout groups were:
- Developing governance processes that deepen relationships
While relationships play a different role in each of these models, prioritising strengthening relationships is a vital part of sustaining place-based systems change across all three models. This requires developing fit for purpose governance processes which build shared ownership and enable communities to meaningfully be part of the work.
- Targeting long-term funding for capacity building
Developing deep relationships and infrastructure is difficult in short funding cycles. These models require long-term funding that enables organisations to build the capacity for different ways of working – which are tailored to the assets and needs in their place.
- Working with and against local power dynamics
Each of these models leverage local power dynamics. They aim to use the power of a well-used community space, a network of services or a local authority to drive long-term system change. They also aim to shift these power dynamics, recognising that place-based systems change requires active engagement from the local authority, local services and local people. It’s important to set clear expectations between different partners that leverage the power they hold in the local system, while ensuring that their power doesn’t marginalise others from engaging meaningfully. For example, consider how a statutory body leading an initiative can support it to become sustainably embedded in the local system, but might also affect the degree to which community members engage in shared ownership.
Joining the Community of Practice for Place-Based and Systems Change was a great experience. It was wonderful to meet so many thoughtful practitioners who are dedicated to creating sustainable change, as well as hear the depth of work Kezia and the team are doing on this topic. Talking about this kind of work with peers can feel like a luxury when work in the social sector feels so urgent, but taking time to think through what’s working and what’s not, learning from others, and hearing new thinking always pays dividends. If you have been looking for a place to have an honest, open, and solution-driven conversation about how to do this work well, I would highly recommend coming along to join us next time.
To learn more about the Place-based Systems Change Community of Practice or our ongoing inquiry into sustaining Place-Based Systems Change, reach out to Kezia. Keen to join the next Community of Practice meeting? Sign up to join online on Tuesday 25th November, from 12.00-13.00 on Zoom.
