Many locally-based Third Sector organisations are now considering forming a consortium with partners to increase their chances of gaining countywide contracts.  Others take the decision to merge in order to drive down overhead costs and make themselves sustainable in a difficult economic climate. 

I’ve recently advised and supported charities in the following situations:

• four parties considering a merger, but one favoured forming a consortium instead of a merger
• several small local arts providers wanting training on how to bid together as a consortium
• six youth groups identifying a joint countywide project and putting together a funding application
• reviewing a consortium of legal advice providers.

Having independent advice at the outset is usually crucial to the success of collaborative working.