Every couple of months, Relay are delivering pan-London and localised networking events to encourage a culture of partnership working amongst Relay members.

These events are centred around relevant and practical topics, including funding streams, localised provision, training opportunities, labour market information and best practice, and give members the opportunity to improve and promote their services and projects.

January Networking Event: ‘Funding Opportunities & Partnership Working’

The first networking event was well attended, with 29 delegates attending from organisations across London.  The theme of the event was ‘Funding Opportunities and Partnership Working’. Representatives from the London Voluntary Services Council and the LDA presented information on the future investment strategy and how this is changing in the face of the current economic climate.  The need to work in partnership in order to be in the best position to secure funding in the future was emphasised.  Claire Sharpen, Managing Consultant at GLE, then facilitated a discussion session on ‘Working in Partnership’. Delegates were asked to talk about their own experiences of partnership working, what the benefits and challenges are, why funders favour partnerships, and the different roles within a partnership.