Understanding Asset Mapping and Partnering in Scotland - Executive summary and Full Report
SCVO’s ambition is for the voluntary sector to play an increasing role in improving health and social care, and in supporting individuals to support themselves and others. It is important that this role is recognised by all partners and that the voluntary sector is acknowledged as an equal partner in delivering quality health and social care in contributing to addressing health inequalities within communities.
Following receipt of Scottish Government funding to bring community assets to the health and social care community planning table, SCVO commissioned the Employment Research Institute of Edinburgh Napier University to review asset based approaches, how these relate to health and social care integration and the opportunities for voluntary sector partnering. In collaboration with the local voluntary sector interfaces, and building on the pilot work in East Dunbartonshire, the report focuses on three pilot areas: Falkirk, Aberdeen City, and Argyll and Bute. The report is now available and SCVO continues to engage with partners to assess its conclusions and consider how to take forward the recommendations at both local and national level.
Note: 'Assets' here does not refer simply to the physical assets held by organisations, but the wealth of knowledge held by community members - see Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) approaches.
Findings Social Network Analysis showed variations in the density and cohesiveness of the social networks in the regions. Reflective perhaps of the variation in geographies, Aberdeen City reports a strong, cohesive network focused around the local authority and NHS. Falkirk reports a less strong network but still focused around central hubs such as Falkirk Council, NHS and CVS Falkirk. The more rural region of Argyll and Bute reports a more dispersed and less cohesive network.
