Together alone: A review of joined-up social services

The Productivity Commission asked consulting economist Julie Fry to review the recent progress of joined-up social services as part of our A fair chance for all inquiry. Today we released her report...

Together alone: A review of joined up social services

Collaborative initiatives are a part of the solution to persistent disadvantage. Successful collaboration among social service agencies can build individual, whānau and community capabilities. Julie Fry found that effective collaborations require adequate, dedicated funding from the outset. They also need:

- trust between providers, and between providers and recipients of support

- clear objectives that are shared by providers and recipients

- sound governance and enough staff

- effective data collection, monitoring and evaluation.

Successful initiatives are being expanded and introduced in other locations. For example, the Whāngaia Ngā Pā Harakeke family violence programme and Te Ara Oranga methamphetamine harm reduction pilot.

Today’s review looks at what does and doesn't work, what government could do better to help collaborations reach their potential, and includes a number of case studies. Read the report here or a summary here.

Join our webinar - Friday 4 March

Join our webinar in March where Julie Fry will run through the key findings from her review into joined-up social services, and panelists will share their on-the-ground perspectives. 

Find out more and register here.