New Government Resources Aim to Strengthen Local Community Partnerships

Supporting collaboration at community level

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport published a collection of Local Civil Society Covenant resources on 23 March 2026.

The materials are intended to help public bodies and civil-society organisations understand the Covenant and explore how its principles could improve local relationships.

The resources include an overview, a fact sheet and presentation materials that organisations can use to support internal discussions and conversations with prospective partners.

Who can use the resources?

The guidance is relevant to a broad range of organisations, including local authorities, NHS bodies, charities, social enterprises, community groups and faith organisations.

It is particularly relevant where organisations are considering how to work together more effectively to address local needs.

For example, a local authority and a community organisation may wish to explore how residents can participate in neighbourhood initiatives.

An NHS organisation and a voluntary group may consider how community connections can complement wider wellbeing and prevention priorities.

Employers may also find opportunities to contribute through appropriately organised volunteering initiatives.

These are potential applications of the Covenant's principles, rather than partnerships or programmes established by the publication itself.

Moving beyond informal cooperation

Community collaboration is often built on goodwill and established relationships.

While these remain important, sustainable partnerships can benefit from clearer expectations, communication and accountability.

The government's materials encourage organisations to examine their existing relationships and consider whether they adequately reflect the Covenant's principles.

This creates an opportunity to discuss how community needs are identified, how people participate in decisions and how progress can be understood.

The Care to Volunteer perspective

Care to Volunteer sees considerable value in making community participation easier to organise and understand.

Our service is designed to support connections between organisations and volunteering opportunities, helping reduce some of the practical barriers associated with coordination.

We also recognise that meaningful participation requires appropriate oversight, safeguarding and respect for the people and communities involved.

As councils, NHS organisations and community partners explore stronger working relationships, accessible volunteering opportunities may provide one practical way to encourage involvement.

The strongest local partnerships are built around shared understanding, community needs and a commitment to meaningful participation.