The Young Foundation has been commissioned by the LGA/IDeA to conduct a research project looking at how Local Authorities are working with the Voluntary and Community Sector to promote cohesion. This research looks at structures of engagement and participation in decision-making, funding and commissioning and empowerment and communications. Research has included interviews with a wide range of stakeholders from both sectors, and four in-depth case studies in four different Local Authorities across Britain.

The aim of the project is to provide evidence of the current relationship, and create a framework for understanding how that relationship could be strengthened to promote cohesion and includes a set of practical recommendations.