Approaching systems change at Fulfilling Lives South East in efforts to improve unsupported temporary accommodation: a qualitative case study
ISSN: 1460-8790
Article publication date: 17 June 2022
Issue publication date: 25 November 2022
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to consider how a South East project approached systems change to improve unsupported temporary accommodation (UTA) and the changes made for people experiencing multiple disadvantage (“multiple and complex needs”). This paper also covers some matters that are hard to change or uncertain, such as housing shortages and financial constraints. The paper focuses on a case study of the East Sussex Temporary Accommodation Action Group (TAAG) – a multi-agency action group.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative case study involving a thematic analysis of seven semi-structured interviews, with a review of published literature and internal documentation.
Findings
This example of setting up a TAAG shows us the value of having a dedicated forum to look at a part of the system that requires changing and to identify what works well. Creating a collaborative and democratic space with a common purpose brings different stakeholders and perspectives together and opens discussions to new ways of working. Equalising partners creates an opportunity to create change from the bottom-up within a system traditionally governed by statutory bodies. This study found that the TAAG has facilitated learning around trauma-informed practice and nurtured more sustainable changes towards a Standards Charter and women-only safe UTA.
Originality/value
This is one of the first qualitative case studies of a local systems change approach to improving UTA for people experiencing multiple disadvantage in East Sussex.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
National Lottery Community Fund.
Citation
Cooke, C., Jones, K., Rieley, R. and Sylvester, S. (2022), "Approaching systems change at Fulfilling Lives South East in efforts to improve unsupported temporary accommodation: a qualitative case study", Housing, Care and Support, Vol. 25 No. 3/4, pp. 236-249. https://doi.org/10.1108/HCS-12-2021-0043
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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