Goal 17 and North Northamptonshire Collaboration Sparks New Opportunities for VCSE Groups

Sometimes the simplest conversations spark the biggest opportunities. At our recent North Northamptonshire co-design session, two local Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations discovered that by joining forces they could solve each other’s challenges — and in the process, open up new ways to support young people and families. 

What is a VCSE organisation?

VCSE organisations are those with a clear social mission. They reinvest the majority of their surplus (at least 51%) into that mission and distribute less than half of their post-tax profits. Goal 17 is proud to be a VCSE organisation ourselves, working alongside many others across the county. 

Through the aforementioned meeting between Goal 17 and two local VCSE organisations, it emerged that one of them was struggling to get funding for DBS checks and public liability insurance. The DBS check ensures that a volunteer is safe to be around young people, checking for things such as prior convictions or cautions.  

Meanwhile, public liability insurance protects your organisation in the unlikely event someone is injured while working with you in said spaces. Due to lacking both, this organisation was struggling to organise meetings with volunteers, as well as getting them all DBS checks.  

Coincidentally, the other organisation at the co-design session had rooms for meetings available that were covered by public liability insurance. They also had DBS-verified volunteers they could offer to facilitate meetings. Can you see where this is going?  

We love it when a plan comes together

Thanks to our group discussion, the two organisations identified this complementary situation and began discussion on how to collaborate. We were thrilled to be able to facilitate this breakthrough and think it proves the value in coming together and discussing things both with us and our other partners. 

“Goal 17 has been a great support, listening to what we need and supporting us where possible. Whether that be with new connections, or knowledge and learning from others. We’re delighted to have made this new connection, which will bring people and ideas together to strengthen collaboration and amplify local voices for positive change.” - A spokesperson from one of the organisations mentioned

"This is exactly what Goal 17 is all about — bringing people together to find solutions that no one could achieve alone. It’s inspiring to see local organisations sharing resources and creating new opportunities for young people." — Francesca Salussolia, CEO, Goal 17 

We hope to spearhead many more conversations of this ilk with the future launch of the Goal 17 digital community platform. This will be a place where all our partners can link up and discuss how best to work together and support the young people we’re all here to help. Watch this space for more information, coming soon!