Kit for Councils
A pack for local authorities to support strong community relationships
During Covid we have seen inspiring examples of councils across the country nimbly adapting to respond and support community activity. As we look beyond the pandemic, we must nurture these new relationships, enabling them to flourish into the networks of support that will enrich and strengthen our community life. Councils must be at the heart of this.
This kit of resources – created with Tony Clements, CEO of Ealing Council – is designed to help councils look ahead to reimagine their organisations and services with relationships at their heart.
What is the appropriate statecraft, in style and substance, for enabling strong and connected communities? How does the state open possibilities without undue risk, and raise the game without controlling and constraining? By putting relationships at the heart.
Explore the kit
The Relationships Framework
A set of principles for sustaining and nurturing community activity now and in the future
The Framework in Action
A database of dozens of real life examples of councils working in relationship-centred ways
The Relationships Navigator
A simple tool to use with your team to assess how closely your practice aligns with the principles in the Framework
Relational Councils Network
In partnership with London Borough of Barking and Dagenham Council, we have set up The Relational Councils Network: A peer learning space for anyone working in or with local authorities and seeking to make relationships the central operating principle. During our sessions together, we hear from inspirational speakers, share examples of how relationships can strengthen the work of councils, and explore practical ideas and expertise.
In this video, originally shared with Grapevine’s Thinkers and Doers network, Tony Clements introduces the Kit for Councils, talks through the nine principles, and fields some questions from members.
9 principles for councils
In The Relationships Framework we suggest 9 principles for for sustaining and nurturing community activity now and in the future.
Shift the obstacles
Remove bureaucratic barriers to community activity and citizens engaging with the council
Sustain motivation and build new purpose
Show people how their relationships and actions help address big issues.
Develop the Covid social infrastructure
Build on the new ways of working and connecting the pandemic has catalysed
Create open and transparent cultures
Foster trust by setting clear standards, being honest about mistakes + making information open
Enhance the everyday touchpoints
Make relationship–building an integral aim of council services
Build relationships into physical spaces
Use the built environment to encourage connection
Renew relationships with the voluntary sector
Share power through equal collaboration and favourable procurement
Train and empower staff
Equip council staff and dedicated community teams to build relationships day-to-day
Embrace new accountabilities
Ensure the council is publicly held to account for fostering community relationships.
Related blogs
From process-led to relationship-led: Moving towards more relational Councils
On 14th February, in partnership with LBBD, we hosted our second relational councils convening. In this session, we asked: How could we see relationships as a solution to statutory duties, not as incompatible with them? Our next convening, taking place on 25th April,...
Exploring what it means to be a relational council
In December, we gathered to discuss what it means to be a relational council, the challenges in putting relationships at the heart of how council’s operate, and the pathways forward. Here, we draw out the key themes and questions from the discussion and invite you to...
Making it real: Councils and communities working together
In brief Continuing with the work on Developing the Framework for councils to support community action, David Robinson and Tony Clements invite you to share examples of changing council practices that 'let people in' and join the conversation about how councils can...
