Reports

Better Together  
 
Children England, in partnership with the Cabinet Office, have published research and guidance to help public servants involve the third sector in policy making the Cabinet Office. The research report makes a series of recommendations for policy including the need for public bodies to coordinate consultations across departments and seek only to undertake consultations where there is capacity to deliver high quality processes which meet the expectations of the consultees. The report also includes a practical handbook on planning and delivering consultation with the third sector. (2008)

Thinking small when thinking big

This briefing summarises the key findings and recommendations of Thinking Small When Thinking Big, a research study commissioned by Children England from GHK Consulting. The study aimed to explore examples of positive steps that can be taken to create and sustain an environment in which smaller voluntary and community sector organisations can thrive.

Under the radar

A survey of small voluntary and community sector organisations working with children, young people and families was published in January 2007.  The survey asked how small organisations were coping with changes to the way services are organised, such as the advent of Every Child Matters and the move to commissioning arrangements, and what was presenting particular difficulties for organisations.  The report highlights some of the challenges faced by small organisations as they try to survive and develop and makes recommendations for strengthening and improving support to these organisations.