On Thursday, 23rd October, we held our R.E.A.C.H Alliance Network event at the Urban Village Hall near London Bridge. It was great to be joined by leaders from BAME voluntary and community groups, along with key decision-makers from Southwark Council, Partnership Southwark, Public Health, and SLAM.
We began the morning with Mariam from Healthwatch Southwark, who marked Black History Month by honouring inspiring figures like Mary Seacole—who fought against race and health inequalities. Her legacy lives on through our shared efforts here in Southwark.
Presentation 1
What work has been done so far?
Southwark Council Officers Everth Willis (Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion) and Katy Griffiths (Consultation & Involvement Team Lead) provided an update on the progress they made on ‘The 12 Asks’. They also shared information on how the VCS can feed into their processes, and attendees had an opportunity to either ask questions or share their experiences. VCS groups who benefited from the grant explained how it made a difference to their work. In short, Southwark Council has made significant achievements through their ring-fenced funding on grants, increasing representation on selected panels, but acknowledged that more can be done.
For a copy of the presentation, please click HERE.
Presentation 2
What has the VCS achieved so far?
Ernest from the Ernest Foundation gave an inspirational talk on the positive impact of ring-fenced funding has had on his organisation and the ongoing challenge that grant levels fail to match the cost of living.
Anood (CEO, Community Southwark) discussed the work already done to secure funding for BAME-led groups and the ongoing challenges around making the case for longer-term unrestricted ring-fenced funds. For a copy of the presentation, please click HERE.
Group Discussions
This was an opportunity for statutory partners to listen to the VCS, understand what is happening on the ground, and to collaborate with the VCS on an action plan to create change and address local needs.
Ring-fenced Funding
The highlight of the discussion was the need to be clear about what we mean by ‘ring-fenced’, who it is for, and why it matters. And that it must be LONG-TERM, not one-off.
Key Points
Key Points
Principles of Co-Production
- Must be collaborative, consultative, and representative of diverse voices.
- Work “with, not for” communities — mutual respect, shared goals, and equality.
- Agency and empowerment of communities are essential — people know themselves best.
- Everyone brings different skills and perspectives to achieve shared outcomes.
- No hierarchy — “nobody leads, nobody follows.”
- Co-production is about co-vision, co-design, and co-evaluation.
- Mutual agreement, trust, and authentic relationships are the foundation.
Power, Voice & Equality
- Recognise and address power dynamics — ensure decision-making is shared, not top-down.
- Identify where power sits within groups and bring it to the surface.
- Ensure all voices, especially silent or marginalised ones, are heard.
- Avoid replicating existing hierarchical systems that exclude people.
- Devolve power to communities; create opportunities for direct input into decisions.
- The VCS plays a vital role in bridging gaps, including language and access barriers.
Communication, Representation & Collaboration
- Strengthen networking and relationship-building between groups.
- Develop a code of conduct and joint terms of reference for collaboration.
- Establish a REACH subcommittee or representatives to voice network needs and concerns.
- Improve knowledge-sharing through a central database of organisations and a nominated representative to share information.
- Face-to-face engagement (e.g., events, “Dragons’ Den” style sessions) to present services and build trust.
- Encourage creative, flexible communication methods to maintain engagement and capacity.
Funding & Structural Change
- Push for flexible, equitable funding aligned with community needs.
- Influence funding criteria to require community consultation and collaboration before launch.
- Advocate for transparent and consistent funding justifications.
- Encourage funders to value people’s time in co-production processes.
- Explore collaborative funding models and cross-sector partnerships.
- Attend funders’ networks to increase visibility and influence.
Defining Co-Production in Practice
- Define clearly what co-production means within REACH — its scope, parameters, and expectations.
- Identify specific opportunities for co-production in Southwark (e.g., health, community projects).
- Ensure the process includes ownership, accountability, and timely problem-solving.
- Align work with current social and political contexts to strengthen funding opportunities.
- Strive for a “community version” of co-production — rooted in equality, cooperation, and shared outcomes.
Actions
- Define and agree on REACH’s shared definition and principles of co-production.
- Set up a REACH subcommittee or representative group to lead co-production work.
- Develop a code of conduct and joint terms of reference for co-production.
- Map and identify opportunities for co-production within Southwark (e.g., health, community services).
- Hold regular networking sessions (including creative formats like “Dragons’ Den” style pitches).
- Ensure inclusivity — find ways to listen to silent or underrepresented voices.
- Acknowledge and discuss power dynamics within the network and partnerships.
- Promote authentic collaboration — equal involvement in strategising, planning, and evaluation.
Silent Coaching
We ended the day with a Silent Coaching session led by Betty from Community Southwark, giving participants space to pause and reflect on their personal journeys — how far they’ve come and the paths they hope to take in the future.
Lunch and Networking
It wouldn’t be a Community Southwark event without a delicious lunch. The salad bowls were ordered from Sami’s Lebanese Deli located opposite the venue.
If you are a voluntary or community group interested in hiring the venue (free of charge), please contact Omah Broodie <omah@tbc.london>. More information can be found in our venue directory – please search for ‘Urban Village Hall’.
