A lot done, more to do - Reflections on the implementation of the Values and Principles for Collaboration and Partnership Working

I was honoured to be invited by the Department of Rural and Community Development to speak at today's (04 December 2024) Civic Forum in response to the Report on the application of the Values and Principles for Collaboration and Partnership Working with the Community and Voluntary Sector. A lot has been achieved, but there remains more to do to create a shared partnership based on mutual recognition and respect, co-creation and co-implementation.

The Values and Principles were launched in November 2022 and when they were first developed, in partnership between the community and voluntary sector and Government, they were intended to provide a foundation for consultation, collaboration and partnership working between the sector, and local and national government.? They were meant signify recognition by Government that the sector is a key partner in the delivery of services, the promotion of human rights, the elimination of poverty, and the bringing together of communities in the face of ever-increasing challenges. They were to be an important milestone in the continued strengthening of the relationship between the state and the sector.?

Due to the nature of funding of many sector organisations, State actors can hold a lot of the power in this relationship. There can often be a real or perceived chilling effect on the independence of sector organisations to hold Government to account. But this independence is critical for us to do our jobs, to support the people who rely on our services, and to be innovative and responsive in the ways in which we do that.??

Independent does not have to mean adversarial, in the same way that power does not have to mean control.???

The proof of any pudding is in the eating, and this review, a little over two years since the Values and Principles were launched allows us to do that.??

When the Values and Principles were launched, The Wheel called on Government to undertake a programme of awareness-raising within the public service and across all relevant departments and agencies to promote them. Given the diversity of case studies contained in today’s report, across the Departments of Agriculture, Food and the Marine; Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth; Health; Rural and Community Development; and others, it is clear that this has been delivered upon.?

We asked for real case studies of the practical application of the Values and Principles, and the report and today’s Civic Forum has provided a selection of those.???

We asked for formal acknowledgement of the Values and Principles by all relevant departmental and agency management teams and the incorporation of these principles into their practice. This is still slow in some areas, but improvements have been made in the two years since the launch.?

We asked for reviews of engagement and funding processes, procedures and agreements to bring them into line with the spirit of the values and principles – and this continues to be a serious issue for the sector. The slow process of rolling out the WRC agreement for organisations funded under section 39/56/10, agreed in October 2023, and the lack of movement to increase pay in the sector in line with the subsequent public sector pay deal is exacerbating a recruitment and retention crisis. And that’s before we look at other sector organisations funded by the State but not within these specific sectors.? Just yesterday, we published our Pay and Benefits Survey Report 2024 which showed a 27% increase in staff turnover since 2022.??

So, a lot done, more to do – if I’m allowed to borrow that phrase.??

We need to build on the good – continue to strengthen existing collaborative relationships, and challenge ourselves and each other to make the changes necessary to create meaningful partnerships.??

In the two short years since the launch of the Values and Principles much has changed. We are at a crossroads in our society. Underlined by the fact that the process of forming a new Government is taking place as we speak.??

The challenges we face—poverty, inequality, health inequalities, climate change—are vast. Yet, in every corner of Ireland, we see the extraordinary work of community and voluntary organisations, fuelled by a profound commitment to their communities, and the vision of a cohesive society. Our role is indispensable, and it is through partnership that we can achieve the greatest impact.?

This collaboration allows us to address social issues in a meaningful way. Community organisations are the heartbeat of our towns and villages. They understand the unique challenges their neighbours face and are often the first to respond when needs arise. By working together with our State partners, we combine the national resources and reach of Government with the grassroots insight and innovation of the voluntary sector. This ensures our interventions are targeted and effective.?

The community and voluntary sector also often reaches where Government cannot, especially in more remote or rural areas and among disadvantaged groups. Our flexibility and local knowledge allow us to provide services tailored to our communities to ensure that no one is left behind. It also makes the delivery of services more efficient and impactful.?

Working in collaboration and partnership strengthens our commitment to social inclusion. Sector organisations amplify the voices of marginalised groups and advocate for their needs. We have invaluable expertise that can be drawn upon to help shape policies that are fair and equitable. We support the building of trust between communities and the State, creating a society where everyone feels seen and valued. This is so desperately needed now.?

A vibrant civil society is the foundation of a strong democracy. By investing in our sector, citizens become empowered to engage, participate, and take ownership of the decisions that affect their lives. This partnership is about more than addressing immediate needs; it’s about building a resilient and active citizenry for the future.?

Many of our national objectives—whether in housing, population growth, health, or sustainability—are beyond the reach of any one sector. It is only through real and meaningful dialogue, co-design and creation that we can achieve these goals. Our sector often brings innovative solutions to complex problems. By supporting these efforts, Government can pilot these ideas, scale what works, and transform lives across the country.?

We have seen the power of this collaboration during crises, whether it was the COVID-19 pandemic or natural disasters, the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine or the horrors taking place in Palestine. Our sector stepped up, providing food, shelter, health and social care, translation services, education supports, and a social network where and when people needed it most. It is this partnership that strengthens our resilience and prepares us to face whatever challenges the future may hold.?

And let us not forget our international obligations. The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals call for partnerships to drive sustainable progress. Ireland led the way in implementing the SDGs in 2015. We need to continue to do that.??

Finally, the sector is a vital economic force, with charities alone directly and indirectly creating 321,000 jobs, contributing €32 billion in spending to the economy, all while delivering social value. Together, we can build an economy that is not only prosperous but inclusive.?

Today’s review of the Values and Principles for Collaboration and Partnership show the good that can come of us pulling together. By fostering collaboration between the community and voluntary sector and the State, we can build a society that is compassionate, equitable, and resilient—a society where every person, no matter their circumstances, has the opportunity to thrive.?

Let us continue to invest in this partnership. Let us continue to listen to one another, learn from one another, and, most importantly, work together. Only then can we collectively deliver a just and fair society for all.?

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