This project explored the intersectoral response of local organisations in the UK to the needs of people from disadvantaged places or backgrounds during the first 18 months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Interviews were undertaken with strategic leaders from local government, the NHS and voluntary and community sector in three local authority areas in North-West England. Interviews focussed on key issues and challenges, and approaches to overcoming them, during the development and implementation of the local response.
The project looked into how local organisations in the UK helped people from disadvantaged backgrounds during the first 18 months of the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers interviewed leaders from local government, the NHS, and community groups in three areas in North-West England. These leaders said it was important to work together as a whole system, building new relationships and strengthening old ones. The crisis allowed for faster decision-making as some bureaucratic processes were simplified. However, they also mentioned the challenge of managing tensions between different groups. As life started to return to normal existing constraints began to return.
Strategic leaders describe the necessity of adopting a ‘whole systems’ approach which involved building new relationships and strengthening existing ones. The crisis also provided freedom from the usual bureaucratic procedures which enabled faster information sharing and decision making. However, the need to managing interpersonal dynamics and tensions between various sectors was also highlighted. As life started to return to normal existing constraints began to return.
| Short title | Equity sensitive policy making during Covid-19 |
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| Status | Finished |
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| Effective start/end date | 1/04/21 → 31/03/22 |
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