Project
Initial conversations between NCB and Dartington Hall Trust about the future of Research in Practice (RiP) started in the summer of 2023.
With significant expertise and experience in developing practice and policy across social care, safeguarding, youth justice, special educational needs and disability (SEND) and health, NCB and Research in Practice soon realised that closer collaboration would strengthen their position as sector leaders.
Both organisations know that the people they serve do not become fully-fledged adults at 18 or 25. Bringing Research in Practice into the NCB family would widen the organisation’s expertise in reaching and supporting adults, parents, families and carers, whose welfare often directly impacts the lives of children and young people.
Once it was agreed that there was a mutual interest and potential benefit in two organisations coming together, NCB brought in Eastside People to manage the Due Diligence stage.
“We chose Eastside People because of their recognised expertise in supporting charities through the merger process.” said Rachel Rand, Chief Operating Officer at NCB. “We had also previously worked with Cara Evans, their Head of Partnerships and Mergers, and knew we could trust the team to do a thorough Due Diligence review whilst being easy to work with.”
The Due Diligence evaluation and report, managed and produced by Eastside People consultant and merger and partnership expert Dave Garratt and strategic financial and business planning consultant Danielle Neale, aimed to:
- Help the NCB and Research in Practice leadership teams to understand the risks of the collaboration
- Define the scope of the merger project
- Highlight any risks and concerns
- Review and assess all relevant organisational documentation and processes
- Identify and articulate any synergies that would result for either or both parties
- Verify the information given by the Board of Trustees and the Senior Leadership (e.g. review Intellectual Property, stand-alone finances and the scope of operation and practices)
- Produce a due diligence report.
The Due Diligence exercise helped NCB to fully understand the levels of risk involved (including from a financial perspective), identify potential synergies and benefits and make an informed decision on whether to go ahead.
“Dave Garratt of Eastside People was brilliant because he was always open and honest about what the due diligence found, rather than telling me what he thought I wanted to hear. I particularly appreciated his willingness to share an early ‘heads up’ on potential challenges before having worked them through in detail. This felt like a mature and collaborative approach and helped to ensure there were no surprises”, said Rachel Rand. “In addition, Danielle Neale was very thorough at seeking out and analysing all the information needed to make an accurate assessment of the situation.”
Solution
Research in Practice officially joined NCB on 1st February 2024 and became the newest member of the NCB family. As they reached their first anniversary, the relationship has been a great success. Both organisations have been able to increase their impact in alignment with the overall NCB new strategy, which incorporates RiP.
“As a result of the partnership, we have been able to include input from Research in Practice staff and utilise information and data from their extensive resource library to support our business development.” Said Rachel.
“Being able to draw on expertise from Research in Practice and learn from their experience in areas, such as trauma-based practice and challenging ourselves on areas of integration, for example, has enabled the whole NCB family to develop and learn with positive results.”
Going forward, they hope that their compelling voice, increased scale and financial strength will enable them to grow their support offer for adult social care provision and diversify income streams. Through their strengthened partnership, they are also aiming to amplify the impact of Research in Practice research.
“The partnership with NCB means that our ability to achieve our goals is significantly strengthened”, said Dez Holmes, Director of Research in Practice. “As part of the NCB family, we have the infrastructure and resources we need to focus on building a more just and inclusive society in which the children and adults being supported feel confident that those helping them are really well skilled and knowledgeable.”
“Our proud history of bringing together sector specialists under the National Children’s Bureau umbrella, enables us to continue to deliver on our mission to solve the growing number of challenges facing children today”, said Anna Feuchtwang Chief Executive of NCB
“Merging Research in Practice into the NCB family, is another exciting chapter in this tradition. It pools collective expertise in developing practice and policy within social care, safeguarding, youth justice, SEND and health. In addition, we have identified some fantastic learning opportunities and areas of synergy that will strengthen sector leadership and maximise our impact.”
Rachel Rand finished by saying: “If anyone in any not-for-profit organisation is considering a similar sort of partnership, collaboration or merger, I would strongly recommend that they speak to Eastside People.”
