Working well with organisations in Somerset
This guidance is here to help you shape opportunities that are clear, fair and meaningful for organisations across Somerset.
It draws on principles developed with VCFSE organisations, community partners, NHS teams and researchers through the Somerset Engagement Charter.
These aren’t rules or a checklist.
They are prompts to help you design opportunities that people can understand, trust, and genuinely want to be part of.
Why this matters
Organisations across Somerset bring local knowledge, trusted relationships and experience that can strengthen research, engagement, service development and community action.
Their time and capacity are valuable. Taking a little time to think about how an opportunity is framed can help to:
- build trust and relationships over time
- make it easier for people to understand what’s being asked
- reduce unnecessary burden on organisations and communities
- reach the right people in the right way
- create more useful, meaningful outcomes for everyone involved
The best opportunities don’t simply ask organisations to help deliver a piece of work.
They create space for organisations, communities and people with lived experience to shape, challenge and strengthen it.
A few things to think about
The ideas below aren’t rules or a checklist. They are prompts to help you create opportunities that are clear, respectful and worthwhile for everyone involved.
1. Start with relationships
Good work starts with trust.
- Take time to connect with local organisations early
- Be open about why you’re reaching out
- Work through trusted networks where possible
- Value local knowledge as expertise
👉 Trust grows through consistency, not one-off contact
2. Be fair and realistic
Organisations are contributing time and expertise.
- Be clear about what you’re asking
- Recognise contributions properly
- Budget for involvement where possible
- Avoid asking more than is reasonable
👉 Fairness builds confidence and stronger partnerships
3. Make it accessible
Not everyone can engage in the same way.
- Offer different ways to take part
- Use clear, plain language
- Think about timing, travel and accessibility
- Design opportunities people can realistically join
👉 Inclusive work is planned, not assumed
4. Be clear about what can be shaped
People need to know where they can influence things.
- Be honest about what is fixed and what is flexible
- Avoid tokenistic involvement
- Design engagement that feels worthwhile
👉 Clarity builds trust and better contributions
5. Communicate clearly and close the loop
People should always understand what they’re part of.
- Explain aims and timelines simply
- Keep people updated
- Share outcomes in useful ways
- Show how input made a difference
👉 Good communication turns participation into partnership
6. Work safely, ethically, and respectfully
Good collaboration balances impact with care.
- Consider emotional, cultural and practical impacts
- Avoid placing unnecessary burden on organisations
- Keep wellbeing and safeguarding in mind
👉 Ethical practice is ongoing, not a box to tick
7. Support learning and longer-term value
The best opportunities leave something behind.
- Share learning both ways
- Build confidence and skills where possible
- Think about longer-term relationships
👉 Stronger connections create stronger systems
8. Working together
In Somerset, we are working towards a more connected and coordinated way of collaborating.
This includes using shared pathways where possible, helping to:
- reduce duplication
- avoid overwhelming organisations
- make opportunities easier to navigate
- build a more consistent experience