Networks

Networks seek to form links between groups, within a similar field of work, and to help them to work together.

Members of networks can benefit from sharing their ideas and experiences with each other. They are way to find out what is going on locally, and an opportunity to raise the profile of your organisation.

Collaborative working within networks can, for example, extend to submitting consortia funding bids, or joint tenders to deliver services.

Some networks have developed ways to choose representatives to attend local partnerships and decision making structures and other relevant statutory committees. They have also provided a channel for consultation of the local voluntary and community sector.

These networks are the bodies that the chosen representatives are accountable to, and, from which they get their mandate. And it is important that they engage with a wide range of voluntary and community groups in order to keep them up to date with new developments and to ensure that they remain a strong voice for community and voluntary action.