Making devolution local: What we're learning?together

Reflections from our latest Thriving Together session with community organisations

“It feels like we’re always reacting. What would it take to shape the future together instead?”

That was one of the opening reflections from our latest Thriving Together session?—?where we brought together community organisations and partners to explore how we can shift power and resources more locally through devolution in Adur and Worthing.

This blog shares what we brought to the room, what we heard in response to the three big questions we posed, and how we’re using this to shape what comes next.

?? What we brought to the?room

We shared this presentation, which told the story of Thriving Together so far?—?from early conversations to a shared focus on five key shifts:

• People-powered change
• Local leadership
• Shared spaces
• Local investment
• Prevention that sticks

We didn’t just want to present?—?we wanted a conversation. So we asked everyone to explore three big questions together:

1?? What’s the biggest opportunity?—?and your greatest?hope?

“How do we create the conditions for more people to shape change in their communities?”

Many people spoke about the opportunity to do things differently?—?starting with trust. Thriving Together was seen as a chance to work alongside communities instead of doing things to or for them. The biggest hopes centred around:

• A shift in mindsets?—?from service delivery to shared purpose
• Enabling people to lead?—?recognising that local leadership already exists
• Bringing relationships to the centre?—?as the foundation for long-term change

“There’s huge power in what communities are already doing. Let’s stop duplicating and start backing.”

There was a shared energy around working together in ways that are more human, relational and long-term?—?particularly when it comes to prevention and inclusion.

2?? What’s the most difficult trade-off?

“What are we willing to let go of, and how do we manage risk together?”

The biggest tension? Letting go of control. Many people recognised that if we want to genuinely share power, we also have to rethink how we manage risk, resources and responsibilities.

Key trade-offs that surfaced included:

• Control vs collaboration?—?making space for community-led action, even if it feels unpredictable
• Speed vs sustainability?—?moving at the pace of trust, not just project deadlines
• Fairness vs flexibility?—?balancing equal access with bespoke, place-based solutions

“To shift power, someone has to give it up. That’s the hard bit.”

There was also a call to be honest about the tensions that will come up?—?and to work through them together, not avoid them.

3?? How do we hold the conversation with our communities?

“People won’t always come to a consultation. How do we go to where life is already happening?”

The room was full of ideas about how to deepen conversations with communities in a way that feels real, ongoing and built on trust.

Insights included:

• Using existing relationships and spaces?—?not creating something new for the sake of it
• Listening beyond the usual voices?—?by working with connectors and trusted messengers
• Being open about what’s possible?—?and following up with what’s changed as a result

“It’s not just what we ask?—?it’s how we respond and who we involve in shaping the answers.”

People want to be part of something long-term and meaningful?—?not just another short-term pilot or temporary project.

?? What we’re doing with what we?heard

This session isn’t the end?—?it’s part of an evolving approach. Here’s how we’re taking things forward:

• Turning insights into shared priorities?—?shaped by the hopes, tensions and ideas raised in the room
• Testing new ways of working?—?from how we fund community ideas to how we share decision-making
• Opening up the journey?—?through our Thriving Together page and future events

We’re also working on ways to continue the conversation with community leaders and local residents?—?building on the relationships that already exist, and creating new ones along the way.

?? TL;DR:

• People already lead change locally?—?we need to recognise and support that
• The hardest part is letting go of control and navigating tensions together
• Better conversations start with trust, not forms or formalities.