An innovative new digital platform designed to transform collaboration across the third sector in Dumfries and Galloway is set to be developed through a strategic partnership between South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) and Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway (TSDG).
The initiative forms part of DGCollective, the sector-owned approach to collaboration for better outcomes across the region.
The concept brings together third sector organisations to focus on shared and collective action for people, place and policy. The new digital tool represents a significant step forward in embedding a sector-wide way of working.
SOSE is supporting the development of the platform through targeted investment that will enable the testing, co-design and refinement of the collaboration solution.
The initial phase will focus on trialling and shaping the digital tool to ensure it meets the needs of the widest possible range of third sector groups and organisations across Dumfries and Galloway.
The platform will create new opportunities for meaningful collaboration, helping organisations to maximise their impact for communities while unlocking greater potential for shared data, insights and investment.
Early priority areas will include health and social care, transport, employability, and children’s services, with expansion planned over the next 12 months.
As the region’s economic and community development agency, SOSE plays a key role in supporting strong local economies and enabling community-led action. Its partnership with TSDG reflects a shared commitment to strengthening community leadership and enhancing the effectiveness of the third sector.
Alan Webb, CEO of Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway, said: “I warmly welcome the support of South of Scotland Enterprise as a key partner in community-led action, community leadership and in enabling our sector to work better together for people and place across Dumfries and Galloway. The initial tool will help us test ways of working and identify what we need from a long-term digital solution, which SOSE will also help us shape with other partners.”
Through DGCollective, collaboratives will continue to focus on delivering shared solutions to local challenges, ensuring that third sector organisations are better connected, more resilient and increasingly able to influence place-based policy and investment decisions.
The development of this digital collaboration platform marks a significant milestone in building a more integrated, data-informed and community-led third sector across Dumfries and Galloway.
Kate Musgrave, Head of Enterprising Communities at South of Scotland Enterprise, said: ‘‘Third Sector Dumfries and Galloway is a valued partner for SOSE, as we work together to activate and empower communities across the South of Scotland.
“Collaboration to benefit from the potential of sector opportunities and investment is vital right now, and DGCollective is a timely and brilliant concept – we are delighted to support this project at such an early stage.’’
For more about DGCollective, see the website: www.dgcollective.org.uk.