Good governance for the Good Growth Hub
What did we do:
In 2022, TSIP was commissioned by London Legacy Development Corporation to co-design a governance framework for the Good Growth Hub (GGH), a new model for bringing together young people and businesses in east London. TSIP was brought in to build on initial thinking that had been done around GGH’s governance framework and co-design a refined framework with core and wider stakeholders.
How did we do it:
TSIP took a phased approach to delivering this project, involving diverse stakeholders in the process to ensure representativeness, shared power and ownership. Phase 1 involved mapping existing governance thinking and approaches and conducting desk research and in-depth interviews with stakeholders to explore their perspectives on how the governance framework should be designed. In Phase 2, a series of sequential workshops iterated on and refined the framework, incorporating the feedback of core stakeholders, wider stakeholders (local councils, local community organisations and universities) and young people. In Phase 3, TSIP outlined the approach needed to bring the framework to life and developed a set of recommendations to support its implementation.
What were the outcomes:
Interviews generated 4 core themes (demonstrative, evolving, inclusive and sustainable) and 4 core functions (developmental, accessible, collaborative, clarity), which were used to underpin the design of the governance framework and frame stakeholder workshops. The final governance structure is based on the principles of servant leadership and uses an inverted triangle model, which aims to disrupt and invert traditional power hierarchies (see Illustration). Key features of the framework include: symmetry, enabling proportional voting and an equally represented voice; a dedicated administration team, technical skills seats and lived experience seats; and mechanisms and developmental pathways to ensure effective communication and meaningful involvement of all members. TSIP recommended a phased approach to delivery and offered guidance for selecting an appropriate legal structure. The model is scalable.
What did we learn:
This project revealed valuable insights into what constitutes inclusive governance. It demonstrated the significance of meaningfully engaging diverse stakeholders in reimagining, shaping and refining governance structures, and serves as a testament to the power of co-design for devising solutions that are responsive to the diverse and evolving needs of the community.
Key facts & figures
The Good Growth Hub (GGH) is a new model for bringing together young people and businesses in east London, operated by A New Direction (AND). It has initial funding for five years.
Project stats: 10 interviews, 6 workshops, 34 people engaged, 14 organisations engaged