Anchor organisations is a term used to describe large, locally rooted organisations like:
● NHS organisations
● Local Authorities
● Universities and colleges
● Large third sector organisations
● Large businesses with a strong link to the local area
Anchor organisations are important because they have significant assets, as well as employment and spending power and can consciously use these resources to benefit their local communities.
Anchor organisations are pivotal in helping to meet Wales’ Foundational Economy ambitions. See the video below from the NHS Wales Finance Academy which explains the concept of Foundational Economy in more detail.
There are many ways “anchors” can make a difference to people’s lives within the areas where they are based, for example by:
● Widening access to quality work: Being a good employer, paying people the real living wage and creating opportunities for local communities to develop skills and access jobs in health and care.
● Using their spending power locally for social benefit: Purchasing supplies and services from organisations that consider their environmental, social and economic impact.
● Using buildings and spaces to support communities: Widening access to community spaces, working with partners to support high-quality, affordable housing and supporting the local economy.
● Reducing their environmental impact: Taking action to reduce carbon emissions, consumption and reduce waste and protect and enhance the natural environment.
● Working closely with local partners: Collaborating with other local anchors, organisations, services and partners to increase and scale impact.
● Listening and responding to what matters to the community: Working closely with local communities to help address local priorities and build on their energy and skills
The Health Anchors Learning Network is a UK-wide network for people responsible for, or interested in, embedding anchor approaches in their roles. The network provides spaces and opportunities for participants to learn with peers and experts about how anchor organisations can consciously use their resources, influence and work in partnership to improve the wider determinants of health and wellbeing in local communities and reduce inequalities.
The Health Anchors Wales learning site is a platform for Wales-specific learning resources, case studies, events and training designed to support colleagues across the health sector and beyond to develop the mindset, skillset, and toolset to build effective anchor organisations that create a healthier Wales.
Through our learning offers we are aiming to support the development of a strong, supportive network of Welsh practitioners and leaders making impact through anchor approaches. Our learning offer will additionally support the Foundational Economy programme.