The Forum’s new research report explores how its member associations collaborate, why they do it, and the key benefits and challenges involved. The findings show that collaboration takes many forms, from informal peer support and knowledge-sharing to joint funding bids, innovative partnership projects, and shared services, most commonly – but not exclusively – with neighbouring associations.

In an effort to make the most of having shared values, the report found that key motivations for collaborating are improving services for tenants, making better use of resources, and achieving outcomes that would have been a lot more difficult to deliver independently.

The report includes several case studies which GWSF said demonstrate the breadth and diversity of collaboration between CBHAs and provide tangible evidence which challenges head-on the misconception that they operate in isolation from each other.

GWSF research and policy lead Colleen Rowan said: “Successful collaboration relies on trust, clear objectives, effective communication and sustained commitment from staff and governing bodies. However, maintaining momentum, finding time, and managing different priorities can be challenging.

“Collaboration is not a one-size-fits-all solution: it works best when tailored to associations’ needs and circumstances while preserving local accountability and community identity. It also needs a natural openness to working with others.

“Collaboration and partnership working have long been integral to CBHAs, enabling them to share knowledge, expertise and resources to support tenants and communities. Despite this history, perceptions that CBHAs operate in silos persist, and this can be exasperating for our members to hear, particularly in a funding environment that increasingly emphasises partnership working and value for money.”

Shona Stephen, CEO of Queens Cross HA and Rebecca Wilson, CEO of Maryhill HA, added: “Another misconception can sometimes be that collaboration points to potential future merger, but our own joint working – and that of so many others across the community-based sector – demonstrates that working with each other actually strengthens associations’ ability to thrive as independent organisations.”