Working together in the shadow (and the light) of Covid-19
In July 2020 I had the pleasure of attending my first A Better Way network cell, on how to change practices to build relationships and create connected communities. The question we were seeking to explore was “how can we behave better, and work differently, to build relationships in the light of Covid?”
The pandemic has presented us with a need to think differently about the way we work, with many organisations rethinking their working models and others opting to go to completely remote working. Online meetings and events are now the norm, and on a personal level, I can get to my monthly book group without travelling into central London on a Sunday afternoon, and avoid the regular engineering works that normally keep me away when we meet in “real life”!
We heard from two expert speakers, Becca Dove, Head of Family Support and Complex Families at Camden Council, and Noel Mathias, the Managing Director of WEVolution about the value of bringing people together to form relationships, share common issues and find their own solutions, and then it was over to us to explore the issues in our breakout groups.
One of the things that my group talked through was how we can create true culture change when we do things differently – how can we ensure that these things do not sit with one brave individual, that “bends the rules without breaking the law”, but that everyone is on board and is willing to continue the networking and partnership building that you need in order to embed different approaches.
We also felt that it is crucial to have what one colleague described as the “three Ps”: Parity of relationships between the centre and the local, recognising what each partner brings to the conversation, Permission to challenge the status quo, and Partnership. Underpinning all of this must be trust and respect on both sides.
Becca and Noel both talked about helping people to self-organise which, amongst other things, can head off the challenge of a lack of legacy that is always the risk when funding for a project ends – this can threaten culture change when organisations are constantly working with one year funding pots to continue work and make it meaningful and impactful. For example, when working with people with lived experience, this needs to be real and more than lip service. We talked about Groundswell’s unique work with its volunteer peer workforce, which frankly the organisation could not function effectively without. However, we recognised that alongside this there will always be the need for professional support to enable peer led approaches.
As I write, the Prime Minister has just announced new measures to delay the easing of lockdown, whilst guidance for employers and shielding advice remains in place. In the continued shadow, as opposed to the light, of Covid, it will be even more crucial to maintain and foster innovation in the ways that we can work together to build back better. The vulnerable people that we and our members work with will be relying on us for this in 2020 - and beyond.
Caroline Bernard is joint Head of Policy and Communications at Homeless Link where she oversees communications, digital, policy and information. Caroline's background is policy, public relations and corporate communications across health, social care and supported housing.
