Strategies to establish Social Policy Units (SPUs) within community-based organisations

Abstract

Community organisations hold huge knowledge about the needs as well as the dynamics of different communities. However, they often struggle to provide input and contribute this knowledge into the policy decision making process. This study was a collaborative effort to bring community organisations together to brainstorm about strategies to establish Social Policy Units (SPUs) within local community organisations. Findings suggested that the SPU would be a great way to enhance their policy capability, making policies more relevant and equitable for different communities. However, the main challenge remained funding and this required greater collaboration among community organisations as well as change in the way funding was allocated to community organisations.