At a time when charities and community organisations are being asked to meet rising need with stretched resources, partnerships with corporates are attracting renewed attention. For some, they represent an opportunity to bring in skills, investment and long-term support that can strengthen local organisations. For others, they raise important questions about independence, values and whether social purpose can remain at the centre when business interests are also in play.
That is what made Building relationships with Corporates, which KCSC hosted online on Wednesday 25 March 2026, feel especially relevant. The event explored how working with corporates can move beyond one-off activities towards relationships that are strategic and rooted in local priorities where social value in procurement, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) expectations and mission-led practice are becoming more closely scrutinised.
The real issue is not simply whether the voluntary and community sector should work with corporates, but how those relationships are shaped. If they are driven by clear values and a shared commitment to local impact, they can offer genuine opportunities for collaboration and social change. If not, they risk remaining transactional and limited in effect. There is also the question of what can the Council do to ensure that social value built into the tender process is a more meaningful exercise?
Well first of all perhaps it starts with us! What if we begin by saying what we know to be of real value for local voluntary and community organisations and that companies who win Council bids can commit to delivering the support that is truly needed. Why don't we start the conversation? Further information about this will follow in our regular e-bulletin so stand by. | 
