Soon-to-be-released research has outlined the systematic challenges community health organisations face in their relationship with public health partners.
The survey of 67 community organisations has highlighted the structural exclusion from decision-making they face, despite their critical role in providing local support to people in their communities.
The research was carried out by a range of partners, including Scottish Communities for Health and Wellbeing, CHEX, and the Health and Social Care Alliance.
Outlined in a pre-release executive summary, organisations reported challenges with the 'rhetoric' vs 'reality' around prevention, deteriorating relationships due to staff turnover, and a misunderstanding of the role of community organisations.
Despite these challenges, most organisations expressed a desire to collaborate, develop improved relationships, and noted some of the constructive connections they had with public sector partners.
A workshop to explore these findings is taking place where you’re invited to share your reflections as the research is finalised. The event is being held on 18th March 2026, 12.30pm - 4.00pm at Byres Community Hub at the University of Glasgow. For a place, please contact andrew@scdc.org.uk