Stirling Council and Third Sector Forge New Partnership Framework
The Stirling Civic Alliance aims to enhance collaboration between the council and local charities, voluntary organisations, and community groups for better local outcomes.
By Kirsty Lennox
••3 min read
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Stirling Council and local third sector representatives collaborating on the new Civic Alliance framework.
Stirling Council has officially approved the Stirling Civic Alliance, a new framework designed to foster more effective collaboration between the council and local charities, voluntary organisations, and community groups.
The initiative, developed by Stirlingshire Voluntary Enterprise (SVE), seeks to leverage the distinct knowledge, experience, and strengths of both the Council and the third sector. This collaborative approach is intended to improve understanding of local needs, lead to more informed decision-making, and ultimately achieve better results for the communities across Stirling.
The framework's development involved extensive consultation, with 103 individuals from 53 organisations, including various community groups and charities operating throughout Stirling, contributing between November 2025 and August 2026. The Stirling Civic Alliance is structured to accommodate organisations of all sizes, from small neighbourhood groups to larger charities, ensuring a broad base for participation and a stronger collective voice in shaping local decisions.
Key commitments outlined in the Alliance include earlier engagement with organisations, establishing clearer pathways for working with the Council, implementing proportionate processes, and encouraging constructive dialogue. The overarching goal is to embed partnership working into daily practices, moving beyond project-specific or consultation-based interactions.
An 18-month action plan will now be formulated, supported by the Council’s Thriving Communities Budget. A dedicated Stirling Civic Alliance Steering Group will oversee the framework's launch, the implementation of the action plan, and its ongoing review. The Alliance will also integrate with existing partnership initiatives, such as the development of the next Stirling Plan beyond 2027.
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"We are delighted that Stirling Council has approved Stirling Civic Alliance. This is an important step towards making sure the Council and the third sector can work together in a way that makes the most of our different strengths, knowledge and experience. The framework has been shaped by the organisations and people who understand their communities and know what partnership looks like in practice. I am grateful to everyone who has shared their experience, ideas and challenge throughout the process. Approval is the start rather than the finish. We want to see this framework turn into everyday practice, with stronger relationships, better decisions and, most importantly, better outcomes for people and communities across Stirling."
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"Strong communities are built on strong partnerships, and the Stirling Civic Alliance recognises the essential contribution that our third sector, community groups and other organisations make to the lives of people across Stirling. By creating this strong, clear and collaborative framework for the Council and the third sector to work together, we can draw on shared strengths and resources to create a place where everyone thrives. We are committed to using the principles of the framework to deliver better-informed decisions and meaningful action that secures lasting benefits for our communities."
Based on information from the official source: Stirling Council (08/10/2026)
