Anyone up for some collaboration?
Since setting up Sizzle, I have led two collaborative initiatives. Enrich the Earth has sought to get the maximum financial and environmental value from the vast quantity of green waste discarded in the UK.
It has brought together 17 diverse organisations behind a set of policy asks which are already gaining traction within government. Working with 21 organisations we have created consistent and authoritative information advising gardeners on how to choose and use peat-free composts. We have launched Treasure Gardening, a new social venture celebrating the Wonders of Waste and have supported amazing Community Gardens in the Northeast of England.
All these activities aimed to overcome barriers identified in our initial research which highlighted the need for a more supportive policy environment, better education and high-quality peat-free products.
The second collaboration is seeking to answer the question: ‘How can you have a healthy pet with minimal environmental impact?’ The first stage has been in-depth interviews with experts from across a wide range of sectors. Look out for the report, recommendations and future initiatives later this year.
These collaborations have several common factors:
They have a clear strategic challenge beyond the ability of any one organisation to address but which is important to a wide range of organisations.
There has been a financial backer willing to make an investment enabling the underlying barriers to be explored, to examine potential solutions and assess the level of appetite for future initiatives.
A realisation that this is a time-consuming process with uncertain outcomes – particularly when seeking to alter the policy framework.
An understanding that the process can’t be ‘owned’ by any one organisation and that the overall ambition is greater than any branding, sales or promotional opportunity.
A desire to listen and potentially collaborate with other organisations even if some views are not shared and there could be a competitive element to the relationship.
From a personal perspective, I have been able to use my experience and contacts to get to grips with the underlying challenges and identify possible solutions. Not being a subject expert has proved helpful as I have been able to ask basic questions and challenge perceived wisdom.
With budgets tight and uncertainty around every corner, I realise that there are a limited number of organisations willing to take the plunge and invest in a process with uncertain outcomes, but if anybody has a significant challenge that could benefit from this approach please get in touch trewin@sizzle.org.uk.