Publications from ODSW Social Insights: Letters by DSW (Vol 2) | Page 84

Practice Issues
for communication and ensure consistent and continuous communication.
There is also often change in membership in the groups so it is important
that new members are clear of the common goal and brought up to date on
the progress of the mutually reinforcing activities. Attention to such changes
and communication will avoid the frustration of people attending gatherings
year in and year out without a sense of progress as these issues are being
discussed without a clear direction, a commitment to act and a way forward.

7. Role of coordination
With rising expectations for matters to be better coordinated, there is a
premium on the role of coordination. However, coordination is an equally
misunderstood role with descriptors such as clearing house for referrals to
pooling of resources to tracking of action and progress. Just as it is important
to agree on a common goal, it is equally necessary to agree on the role of
coordination and to make it known to the various partners.
Coordination, when well-structured and consistently carried out, often
contributes significantly to the success of collaboration. It is the oil that
lubricates the system. Coordination is a consistent activity and highly
skilled coordination synchronises the contributions of partners to achieve
improvement. Coordination is the backbone infrastructure that serves as a
skilled and dedicated resource to support ongoing efforts.

How can social service professionals help
Community engagement sessions to address social issues often involve a
range of expertise from a number of diverse organisations. What makes the
rich resource work together and more efficient is often determined by the
commitment in facilitation, coordination, and shared measurement. Social
service professionals with our understanding of social issues, training in
building partnerships and community work are well placed to play the role
of facilitator and strategist to bring together various partners. These efforts
are important in resolving the individual cases that cut across agencies.
As we build on doing well in facilitating such community engagements, we
will not lose sight of the fact that large-scale social change comes from
better cross-sector coordination rather than from the isolated intervention
of individual organizations.

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