An emergent process for activating system change: Insights from Golden Key Bristol

Fouracre, Beth; Fisher, Joseph; Bolden, Richard; Coombs, Beth; Isaac, Beth; Pawson, Chris

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present insights into the way in which system change can be activated around the provision of services and support for people experiencing multiple disadvantages in an urban setting. Design/methodology/approach: This paper is informed by a thematic analysis of reflections, reports, learning logs, interviews and experiences of those “activating” system change in the Golden Key partnership in Bristol between 2014 and 2021. Findings: Four themes are identified, including “creating the conditions for change”, “framing your involvement”, “investing in relationships” and “reflective practice and learning”. For each of these, an illustrative vignette is provided. Practical implications: Practical recommendations and reflective questions are provided with suggestions of further considerations for applying this approach in different contexts. Originality/value: This paper describes an original approach of activating and supporting people to do system change to improve the lives of people facing multiple disadvantages.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jun 13, 2022
• Online Publication Date: Sep 27, 2022
• Publication Date: Nov 25, 2022
• Deposit Date: Aug 31, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Sep 26, 2022
• Journal: Housing, Care and Support
• Print ISSN: 1460-8790
• Electronic ISSN: 2042-8375
• Publisher: Emerald
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 25
• Issue: 3/4
• Pages: 250-261
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/HCS-12-2021-0039
• Keywords: System change, severe and multiple disadvantage, multiple and complex needs, relationships, reflective practice, activating system change, systems thinking, action experiment, complexity
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/9701440
• Publisher URL: https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/HCS-12-2021-0039/full/html