NZCOSS Report into Local Body Relationships Released
The New Zealand Council of Social Services has released the findings of its research into the nature of relationships between its member Councils of Social Services (COSS) and their local authorities.
The Local Government Act 2002 introduced a requirement for the 86 local authorities around New Zealand to conduct a Community Outcomes Process in the lead-up to the adoption of their Long Term Council Community Plans (LTCCPs). This report investigates how well local Councils of Social Services have been able to engage in Community Outcomes processes, looking at what has worked well, as well as some of the difficulties that have emerged. The findings have implications for a wide range of people and organisations working in the community and voluntary sector. Quantitative and qualitative data gathered from 31 COSS members, as well as 6 in-depth case studies, reveal:
- a diverse range of relationships between Councils of Social Services and local authorities throughout New Zealand. These relationships are fluid and wax and wane over time
- a key factor in the success of Community Outcomes Processes is the presence of local authority Community Development staff and elected members who recognise and support the contribution of the community and voluntary sector
- involvement by local COSS in Community Outcomes Processes is very dependent on the local authority some have an overview of the process and a plan for community engagement and consultation; others do not. Across local authorities there is great variation in capacity and willingness to take a strategic planning role and do it in an inclusive and collaborative way
- staff capacity and capability vary greatly within particular local authorities and across the local government sector, affecting their ability to respond to community-driven processes.
The research shows that Councils of Social Services and equivalent networks of social services organisations play a vital role in assisting local authorities to effectively engage with the social sector, to identify priorities for promoting social well-being, and to develop appropriate actions to achieve Community Outcomes.
It is vitally important that social services organisations are aware of the importance of this process and are able to participate effectively, says Sharon Torstonson, NZCOSS Secretary and member of the Community Sector Taskforce. The NZCOSS Executive will now be looking to liaise with local authorities and member COSS to strengthen the linkages and relationships between COSS and local and central government, and between NZCOSS and other umbrella social services organisations in the sector.
NZCOSS would like to thank the researchers Karen Johnston, Christine Cheyne, and Wendy Parker for their fantastic work, and the JR McKenzie Trust for the funding to carry out this research.
Copies will be circulated to member COSS and other interested parties. Further hard copies can be obtained by emailing nzcoss@nzcoss.org.nz
Media contact: NZCOSS Secretary Sharon Torstonson 027 224 0108
(The full text of the report can be downloaded further below.)