Co-designing a new third sector funding scheme in Argyll and Bute

Objectives

A systematic review of the services of the Children and Families Service Department was undertaken internally, which showed the need to change the funding scheme for third sector organisations.

This service review highlighted several problems in relation to the existing funding scheme:

• The application process had multiple mechanisms and budget streams, making it confusing and inefficient. The processes required were described by one organisation as a “jigsaw of different funders which don’t always fit well together.”

• Activity was often emphasized at the expense of outcomes.

• Funding priorities were not systematically reviewed to ensure alignment to changing priorities.

• Funding was generally allocated on an annual basis, which tended to work against innovative initiatives, which the Council was keen to encourage.

To address these issues Argyll and Bute Council aimed to develop a new funding process which would be more appropriate for an era of collaborative working. The Council prided itself on its commitment to listening actively to its community and enabling them to influence decisions. Consequently, it committed to co-designing the new approach with third sector organisations in the local area.