Alleviating poverty collaboratively: A review of the Malvern Hills District Financial Wellbeing Partnership. First Year Report.

Abstract

This report presents the findings of a collaborative research project conducted with the Malvern Hills District Financial Wellbeing Partnership (FWP) in 2021. The 16- month study provides insights and recommendations for partners and Malvern Hills District Council (MHDC) stakeholders to consider as they move forward. The report is divided into three main sections: findings, learnings, and recommendations. The findings show that poverty is a multifaceted wicked problem, which individuals frame and interpret from different perspectives, informed by personal experiences, values, roles, and priorities. Despite this, the partnership is widely seen as successful, enabled by congruent leadership, asset-based community development principles, and an inclusive participatory architecture. While exceptional progress has been made, the partnership may need to develop collaborative governance to be more proactive and strategic in developing and delivering the Poverty Alleviation Plan and working towards a bolder long-term vision.