Making a lasting difference through collaboration

SHINE was delighted to take part in a panel discussion at NPC Ignites 2026, where our CEO, Fiona Spellman, shared perspectives on place-based change.

Place-based working involves collaboration across traditional institutional boundaries towards a shared goal. In our experience, the strongest approaches define that goal clearly from the outset and identify the key measures that will show whether the work is successful.

Charities are often good at highlighting the benefits of collaboration, but we aren’t always as honest about the costs. Collaboration can be resource-intensive to set up, so it’s critically important that feasibility and longevity are considered from the outset, and that all partners remain committed to defined, measurable outcomes throughout.

A good example is Hartlepool Reads, a programme that brings schools together across the town to share and develop literacy practice. SHINE is supporting the expertise and capacity already within the system, backing dedicated teachers across the town to make a lasting difference to literacy outcomes.

This builds on three principles that SHINE has seen make a difference time and again: clarity of focus, concrete measures of success and a plan for sustainable delivery in the long term.

It was hugely valuable to connect with colleagues at NPC Ignites, share learning from our work and hear different perspectives. We’re grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this important conversation and look forward to continuing to learn from and work alongside others committed to making change happen.