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News / September 2, 2024

New Social Infrastructure Contract

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We are thrilled to share that BD_Collective, via Barking & Dagenham Giving, has secured the Council’s social infrastructure contract!

Through the collective efforts of social sector partners we secured the social infrastructure contract for three years. This accomplishment enables Barking and Dagenham’s voluntary, community, social enterprise (VCSE) and faith sectors to continue to strengthen community support and wellbeing in the borough.

A Smooth Transition Building on Strong Foundations

At the beginning of September, we at BD Giving will take the reins from Community Resources, which has acted as the ‘Secretariat’ for BD_Collective for the last five years. The win reflects the solid foundation and robust networks the Secretariat facilitated.

“All of us at BD Giving would like to say a huge thank you for the energy and imagination that Avril McIntyre and the team brought to creating the BD_Collective. We aim to continue their success, building an ever stronger VCSE for the residents of Barking and Dagenham!”

— Nicki Lane, Head of Place and Programmes at BD Giving

Sharing Resources, Sharing Power

The aim is for us to hold the contract for the first 12-18 months as we work towards establishing a BD_Collective Community Benefit Society (CBS). Once the CBS is fully operational, it will take over, ensuring continuity and member-led delivery.

A Community Benefit Society is the legal name for a community-led membership organisation. They operate on a ‘one-member, one-vote’ principle, which means it’s a great structure for collaboration and equality between members.

This contract is a testament to the power of collaboration within the social sector, which is especially important in an underfunded borough such as ours. Working together we can build stronger, more resilient social infrastructure for Barking and Dagenham.

If you are interested in finding out more about  this vital organisation or you’re part of a social sector organisation and would like to become a member please email hello@bdcollective.co.uk

Avril McIntyre speaks to members of BD_Collective in 2023.

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