A third-sector organisation which accessed support through the NHSGGC Community Benefit Gateway has shared five simple tips to encourage other local organisations to take advantage of this often untapped resource.
Inverclyde Shed, which operates a community workshop in Greenock and community gardens in Port Glasgow, Greenock and Gourock, used the Gateway to source help with maintenance work and garden repairs from medical technology company Solventum.
And the process was so straightforward, and so positive, that co-founder Bruce Newlands is keen to encourage others to make use of the service.
He said: “Signing up for the Gateway and using the portal to request support was really straightforward.
“We were looking for five volunteers for a day and when Solventum came forward at the suggestion of NHSGGC’s contract manager, we arranged an initial call on Teams, to ensure everyone understood what was required and how the day would go.
“After that the day went well, we would like to thank everyone at Solventum for their help and hard work. I think everyone would agree the whole process was a success.”
After their successful experience of the Gateway, here are Bruce’s Five Top Tips:
- Know what you want: Talk to your team and set agreed goals. Remember, members of your own team might be able to provide the help you think you need, so make sure you are clear what you are asking for before accessing the Portal.
- Be specific and accurate: Having agreed what you are looking for, make sure you are clear in your application form. For example if you need five volunteers for one day’s physical outdoor work, make sure you ask for it. Explain clearly what you need in the application (in our case, moving heavy loads of compost and woodchips, preparing and weeding beds, repairing paths and harvesting some crops), so there is no misunderstanding down the line.
When you log on to the Gateway Portal, you’ll find all the information you need to support a good application. It will give clear guidance on the process.
- Be realistic: Don’t ask for the earth – these are voluntary arrangements after all. The more information you give the easier it is for a supplier to identify your needs, and if your request is reasonable, and specific as above, there is no reason why you won’t get the help you’re looking for.
- Make the call: When a supplier comes forward with an offer of help, good practice is to arrange a meeting in advance – either online or in person – to discuss the detail of your request. Agree what’s involved, the project itself, how many staff are required, any permissions required if it’s a major job, any costs, equipment required and timescales.
- Make it positive! The organisations who are registered with the Gateway want to help you. Have fun and enjoy yourself, and if the supplier is giving you goods or equipment, make sure to name-check them on your social media or to recognise them in some other way for their good service.
Chris Sanderson, Head of Procurement at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “The NHS Scotland Community Benefit Gateway is a fantastic, and often untapped, resource for local third-sector organisations.
“The example of Inverclyde Shed demonstrates just how straightforward and beneficial the system can be, and we would like to thank Bruce, the Shed team and everyone at Solventum for showing how an application to the Gateway can lead to a successful and ongoing relationship.
“We would encourage every community organisation to take a closer look at the Community Benefit Gateway.”
To find out more about getting the most from the Community Benefit Gateway, click here.
