Delivering Holistic Support Through Partnership, Not Silos
March 30, 2026Reflections from the Learning Circle, Birmingham – 26 February 2026
At Smallwood, we know that women’s lives cannot be understood or supported in silos.
The challenges women face are interconnected, shaped by poverty, housing insecurity, health inequalities and systemic barriers. Yet too often, the systems designed to support them remain fragmented. If we are to improve outcomes for women, we must work differently and in partnership.
On 26 February 2026, we brought together funders, partnerships and frontline organisations in Birmingham to explore what this looks like in practice. This Learning Circle created space not just to share learning, but to reflect honestly on the realities of collaboration, and what it takes to move from good intentions to meaningful, joined-up support.
What It Takes to Build Partnership
We began by grounding the day in practice, hearing from Coventry Women’s Partnership, Smallwood’s longest funded partnership, with over nine years of experience working together.
Their reflections highlighted that partnership is not something that can be built quickly or superficially. It requires time to build trust, clarity of purpose, and sustained investment in relationships. It also requires honesty about the challenges of working together in a competitive funding environment, while responding to increasing demand from women on the frontline.
Partnership, as they described it, is not a static model, but something that must be actively held, revisited and strengthened over time.
As one participant reflected:
“I really enjoyed learning more about how established partnerships are working, the challenges, the pitfalls, but also the successes.”
From Coordination to Collective Influence
A central theme throughout the day was the shift from coordination to collective influence.
Participants spoke about how partnerships can move beyond simply aligning services, towards shaping local systems and influencing decision-making. This requires more than collaboration at an operational level. It requires shared voice, shared strategy and the confidence to act together.
What emerged strongly was that relationships are the foundation of influence. Trust, mutual respect and understanding each organisation’s role and value were seen as essential. Without this, collective influence becomes difficult to sustain.
Participants also highlighted the importance of:
· Creating space to build and maintain relationships over time
· Being clear about roles, responsibilities and shared objectives
· Ensuring that all partners, regardless of size, are able to contribute meaningfully
· Actively engaging in influencing spaces, from local authorities to wider system stakeholders
There was a clear sense that influence is not something that happens automatically. It is built through consistent, relational work, and strengthened when partnerships speak and act together.
Power, Voice and the Role of Funders
The Learning Circle also created space to reflect on power and the role of funders in enabling partnership.
Participants highlighted that equitable partnership requires intentional effort to ensure that all voices are heard and valued. This includes recognising different forms of expertise and ensuring that smaller organisations are not overshadowed by larger ones.
Funders were seen as having a critical role in shaping the conditions for partnership. This includes:
· Providing flexible and long-term funding
· Investing in partnership infrastructure and coordination
· Supporting the time needed to build relationships
· Being open to learning and adapting alongside partners
The opportunity to have open dialogue between funders and delivery organisations was particularly valued.
As one participant noted:
“The feedback session at the end was great as it enabled us to share directly with funders. The feeling of solidarity in the room was also lovely to experience.”
Partnership Is Ongoing Work
A consistent message throughout the day was that partnership is ongoing work.
It requires time, effort and commitment, particularly in a sector facing increasing demand and constrained resources. Participants spoke openly about the tensions that can arise, especially in competitive funding environments, but also about the importance of staying committed to collaboration.
Strong partnerships were described as those that:
· Communicate openly and transparently
· Are willing to adapt when things are not working
· Maintain focus on shared values and purpose
· Invest in relationships even when under pressure
Rather than avoiding complexity, effective partnerships are those that are able to work through it together.
Closing the day with a shared sense of energy, connection and shared purpose
Bringing together such a diverse group of organisations created space not only for learning, but for solidarity and renewed commitment to partnership working.
Here is what some of the attendees had to say:
“Now that I know what this is, I would never miss it for the world.”
“It’s hard to pick which was my favourite session in the day.”
“Excellent facilitation, great mix of people and organisations in the room.”
“It really is inspiring and encouraging listening and meeting so many strong and committed women all working in different ways toward a shared vision.”
“I was meant to leave by one, but I couldn’t tear myself away. Such great people and conversations.”
Moving Forward
Ultimately, the Learning Circle reinforced a clear and urgent message: If we are serious about improving outcomes for women, we must move beyond siloed approaches and invest in partnership. Not as an add-on, but as the foundation for meaningful, long-term systems change
You can read more about what other attendees had to say here:
The London Community Foundation | When women’s needs aren’t siloed https://www.linkedin.com/posts/activity-7434586089689944065-eE8F?
utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios&rcm=ACoAACpUAnsBPrdR25RSYw2My1_UOEUZbWiO09E https://www.linkedin.com/posts/emma-bates-63594048_what-does-it-take-to-make-a-partnership-great-ugcPost-7434583284942123008-Q_dW?
utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios&rcm=ACoAACpUAnsBPrdR25RSYw2My1_UOEUZbWiO09E
