Better Way network survey
November 2021:
summary of responses
The survey was administered by the Carnegie UK Trust in October/November 2021. 47 responses were received. Of these 42 had attended at least one Better Way event (89%), and 5 had not attended an event (11%).
Most respondents were from the voluntary sector (53%) and social enterprise/community business sector (11%). However, 19% were from the public sector. And a further 16% were from the private sector, academic sector or think tanks, or working independently.
There was an uneven geographical distribution, with 45% from London and the South East, 32% from the North of England, and 17% from the South and South West. Only 6% were other English regions and Scotland and Wales, and there were no responses from Northern Ireland.
1. What do network members think about our Better Way Principles and the Model of Change?
100% of people like the Better Way Principles very much (83%) or quite like them (17%).
94% of people like the Better Way Model of Change very much (68%) or quite like it (26%). 4% don’t like this model, and 2% hadn’t seen it.
Some positive comments:
They are incredibly useful and I use them regularly in my work
They are written without jargon and are meaningful no matter what sector you are from.
I think they're great because they're very much about how as well as what - how are we being in order to create the change we want, rather than just looking at the outputs.
I also think they're applicable across a range of sectors and expertise which is helpful for this kind of network.
I really like the focus on collectivity, responsibility and togetherness
They are clear, aspirational and collaborative.
I like them because they are easy to understand, in plain language.
They are not just words put together by a few people, they are the result of years of connecting, listening ,sharing, discussion and action with and by many people across the country and beyond.
I like the conversation and movement nature of the model. It is focused and drives people towards taking action
Both tools are fit for purpose and feel created out of many practice informed conversations.
They are positive, compassionate and intentional rather than reactive. Great stuff.
Some critical comments:
The model is a positive step forwards to offer a simple but powerful way to communicate the vision, whereas the principles can be overwhelming for some people.
Strong on the 'what' but very little detail on the 'how'.
Some suggestions for improvement:
We need to ensure we are working together on all of this - there are a lot of initiatives going on in this space and it feels like there is an element of competition around who is using the best language/terms - we now need to come together and unite under common language and common purpose to grow the movement to ensure greater momentum for positive change
The language might be developed to ensure broad reach to citizens and communities.
2. What do network members think about our events (dinners, roundtables, national gathering)?
From March 2021 all Better Way events have been online.
36% of the survey respondents have attended in-person events, and 89% have attended online events (some have attended both).
97% of people who have been to Better Way events reported their experience was very positive (64%) or quite positive (33%).
Some positive comments:
It's always a rich conversation and a welcoming group of people to connect with - i always leave more energised and with fresh thoughts.
The format of a key speaker to prompt conversation followed up by the opportunity to move to break out rooms allows for good conversation and discussion. When groups are between 10 and 20 it tends to work better than the larger sessions.
Interesting range of participants from a wide-range of backgrounds. Open and convivial atmosphere, with light touch structure to encourage networking and discussion.
BW always attracts interesting and impactful people who innovate and make a difference. A great place to make connections and pick up on new ideas.
I think the Better Way Network have refined the format of more formal events and this is balanced with more open conversation at fortnightly catch up meetings.
I really like the thought leader input and then small group work, its engaging and makes sure that everyone is able to contribute.
I like that they're interactive with a good amount of discussion and sharing.
I like the format of the online meetings very much and the diversity of people attending. I have met some fantastic people which has led to some very genuine collaborations.
The meetings feel very well facilitated, welcoming and inclusive.
They are really well thought through and well organised and I've learnt a huge amount from others at them all. I also really like how well facilitated giving feedback is - this is usually really poor at other roundtables and your events are generally a very welcome exception.
Very well facilitated; open and questioning; respectful of variety of perspectives.
I liked that they presented me with information updates and new things to learn about but also pushed me to think about it rather than it being a passive event.
Online events have been better attended by people outside London and more conveniant for those of us who are in London.
I have noticed that the online events result in a greater geographical spread, compared to the in person events.
Some critical comments:
Although dialogue across different stakeholder groups is essential, sometimes the level at which sessions are pitched is too basic/introductory for those already "sold" on the principles and already working in the recommended way.
I found the 'talking heads' format and the lack of a consistent group of participants unhelpful.
As an introvert, I needed a bit more time to absorb the information and reflect on it.
Some suggestions for improvement:
A clear, carefully constructed, thought-provoking question that enables individuals to share their lived experience on the topic at hand.
Would really value space to actually put things into practice - take more of an action learning approach.
When asked whether they would be more likely to attend in-person or online events in future, 11% didn’t know, but of those who expressed a preference 55% said online events, while 26% would prefer in-person events in London, and 19% in-person events in their region/country.
3. Has participation in the Better Way network produced useful insights for your own work?
96% have gained useful insights (19% a great deal, 43% quite a lot, 34% a little)
Some examples:
I really enjoyed the session on imagination and some of the more practical examples of exploring these techniques with communities.
It's made me think more about how one can facilitate and mobilise groups of like-minded thinkers to generate more connected action.
The session with John Seddon always stuck with me and the recent one on research was a great discussion.
After every meeting I usually have a list of thoughts, ideas, concepts that I share with colleagues.
Better Way conversations have definitely influenced me personally and the organisation I work for quite considerably, making tangible change for the better.
A recent round table was very useful for understanding how various regions were tackling Adult and Social Care staff shortages.
Listening. This is something I have thought about and learnt about through Better Way this year.
Insights into other people's areas and situations has been stimulating, informative and supportive, knowing that we are not on our own.
I've always worked in a relationship focused way and believe this is the most effective however justifying this model can be difficult with target driven workload. Having a network that can prove the benefits is extremely useful.
I keep coming back to the notes I've made from previous sessions. Just last week I reviewed some of the things that were discussed at the Power event in March this year.
4. Has participation in the Better Way network produced useful connections to others?
79% have made useful connections (13% a great deal, 23% quite a lot, 43% a little).
Some examples:
Made a connection with Local Area Coordination recently which might lead to something practical being started in my local area (Brighton).
I've valued learning more about the work of Rich Wilson and Karin Woodley, reconnecting with familiar faces like Ben Collins, and finding more time to speak with contacts like Sue Tibballs, Sufina Ahmad and Bethia McNeil.
It has enhanced my connections with members of civil society organisations that I would not usually have the opportunity to meet, particularly leaders.
We had already met, but it's been good to see Polly from Shelter and learn from her approach.
Better Way through Steve and Caroline have provided really good connections with individuals, groups, and organisations across the country from grass roots to national level. From a personal level it is very helpful to have a 'bird's eye view' of all sections of the community across the country and sometimes beyond.
I am very inspired by Karin Woodley.
Too many to list! I love the Better Way events because I find myself having conversations with such diverse people from diverse perspectives and experiences
Lots of insights from other people and organisations I wouldn't usually have been in touch with who have really made me challenge my thinking. Also some specific follow ups - a webinar with YMCA for example on working better between housing associations/ YMCA on employment support.
Local and national connections - Karin Woodley and radical listening plus getting to know Steve and Caroline.
Followed up with people in my region who are working on similar things.
People working in my locality that I wasn't aware of.
5. Has participation in the Better Way network encouraged you to make changes to your own practice or develop any new initiatives?
77% have made changes to their own practice or developed new initiatives (13% a great deal, 13% quite a lot, 51% a little).
Some examples:
The organisation I work for has made a decision to 'start with ourselves' in relation to system change and are undergoing quite transformative changes based on relationships, building power in our teams away from hierarchical leadership and radical listening.
I've reflected on the balance of power within our work.
Specifically, I’ve used the 'beachball' [model of change] and some of the context to help me build my own 'movement for change' in my working context – it’s a very eloquent and powerful description.
Made me think how I need. to keep speaking up and out about things, even when it isn't the 'norm' in some of the environments I work in.
Confirmed our person centred way of working & challenged our own innate prejudice.
·We have used the principles to inform our own strategy and ambitions for the next three years.
The Better Way model and principles have been a useful guide for our strategic thinking and planning i.e. in the way we are greater than the sum when we work collaboratively.
It has helped me grow in confidence personally.
Co-Creation events held recently in East Cambs, Community Catalysts (care micro-provider support), Individual Service Funds (Self-Directed Services).
Several aspects of the post pandemic 'New Social Leaders' programme have been inspired by the interactions and people I've met through Better Way (many of whom have generously created content for it) and articles in the Better Way book are part of the core reading for the course.
I refer to the principles a lot, especially the one on collaboration. I am currently thinking a lot about working with social housing residents on the net zero transition. How I approach this, and how I hope to influence the wider social housing sector to approach this, has been really influenced by the Better Way work.
We have been working on a similar approach locally in Islington that we have named How Not What and the work you are doing has helped us reflect and learn on how we have progressed this.
I've been able to use the insights to frame conversations with commissioners and partners - for example changing SLAs to focus on outcomes not targets.
6. Has participation in the Better Way network enabled you to share your ideas and insights with others?
87% have been able to share ideas (11% a great deal, 36% quite a lot, 40% a little).
Some examples:
I gave a brief overview on the 7 tests of Advantaged Thinking at a session, which led to another member using this in his work.
I have been fortunate enough to be able to have been asked to speak at a couple of events and have also contributed to the conversations that I have been part of.
I was asked to share some thoughts on how we deliver research.
I wrote a blog for Relationships Project which I also shared with the BW group.
I have particularly found it useful to share insights around community involvement and empowerment.
I frequently speak up and share what we're doing in online events.
Asked to present and opportunities to share practice in sessions.
Earlier this year I shared our model for engaging volunteers and how they become our employees. How we manage and support our employees. Flexibility and trust we give them.
I’ve been able to share the idea that authentic behavioural change emerges more from what we stop thinking or take less seriously, than it does from acquiring new knowledge, skills, techniques etc.
7. Should we work more across the UK?
The Better Way started by working in England only, but during the pandemic we moved online and attracted people from across the UK. We asked whether we should do more to work right across the UK.
26% of survey respondents didn’t know but 100% of those who expressed a view said that yes we should.
Some reasons for this:
It can help build diversity and inclusion of new voices.
Widens the conversations and differing policy contexts in the devolved countries could strengthen the conversation.
There is a lot to learn from stakeholders in devolved nations where policymakers work in different ways.
Other nations have excellent examples of collaborative/system change work to share.
We can learn a lot from devolved nations who are often more progressive in thinking.
Much to learn from very progressive work in Scotlnad and Wales - e.g. trauma work, use of Theory U, sustainable policy making, public health approaches to violence prevention .
I can't think of a strong reason not to other than your own capacity, and comparing across the four nations is incredibly instructive.
Definitely. Colleagues in Scotland and Wales are invariably ahead of England on much of our agenda.
I think if people are attending then the need is there. It's also good to widen the network.
So much innovative practice is taking place in Scotland and Wales - England has a lot to learn!
However, there were also some notes of caution:
England feels like quite a special beast these days that needs attention. It feels like Scotland, Wales and N. Ireland have their own well developed Networks and interfaces with their governments. Having said that there is of course great value in diversity, however if much of the discussion is limited to English context and systems then that might not be an attractive or useful proposition for people from other countries.
I think the context is very different across the nations. In truth the principles of BW apply across the UK< but their implementation requires a deep understanding of the operating contexts in each of the nations, in order for them to resonate.
I think the bigger the movement the better and there are lots to learn from other UK nations where there is often a more communitarian approach. On the other hand, the sector and culture in Scotland and Wales is really different to England. It's smaller, more tight-knit, and there is far better access to decision makers. There are really valuable lessons here, but in my experience it can also be frustrating as you yearn for the opportunities in England to be more similar.
8. What three words would you use to sum up your experience of being involved in the Better Way?
Note: while as shown above nearly all the words used were positive, 3 people (out of 47) indicated dissatisfaction, with one saying ‘been there before’.
9. Do you think the Better Way network should continue?
89% believe the BW network should continue.
Nobody said they thought the network should not continue.
11% don’t know.
Some final comments:
I see the Better Way Network growing both in reach but also through the depth of conversations going on.
Just excellent work - admire how it has been built patiently over time and how its intellectual output is highly professional.
Thank you for putting it together - always appreciate the thought in curating the speakers.
Steve and Caroline - I think you really think deeply about your role as conveners and facilitators and how you get the balance of leading but being open and collaborative. I think this is really hard and you are both great examples of how to do it really effectively.
Keep going (please!)... and thank you for all the work you do. It all looks light touch, but I bet it isn't.
I think the brand can be stronger.
Even though the future of Community/Society seems to be changing and unstable at the moment, there will be new shoots and better things to come, the Better Way principles will stand and are good, they have made a good foundation across the country, let's hope as the country comes out of Covid work can continue, may be in a different way but following the same Better Way principles.
Just to ensure that the network is representative and engages with all communities as far as is possible.
We need to be in this for the long-term.