Local organisations unite to create opportunities for all in Northamptonshire
Health and wellbeing05 June 2025
Major employers and public services from across the county, including both councils, came together this week for a Northamptonshire Anchor Institutions Network (NAIN) event focused on creating opportunities for all and driving social value across Northamptonshire.
Hosted by Adele Wylie, Chief Executive of North Northamptonshire Council, the event took place at The Chester House Estate on Wednesday (4 June) to align with Volunteers’ Week 2025. During the session, NAIN members explored how their organisations can work both individually and in partnership, through volunteering, creating job opportunities, and ensuring that local investment delivers meaningful and lasting social impact.
Key themes included:
- Sharing good practice in policy development, with real-life examples and volunteer stories from local Voluntary Infrastructure Organisations.
- A hands-on look at a live volunteering directory and the chance to reflect on how volunteering can evolve in different settings and support the response to local challenges.
- Understanding the National Social Value Framework and where the organisations currently stand.
- Examining procurement-led impact through case studies.
- Making meaningful pledges for accountability to embed social value in everyday decision-making.
The Northamptonshire Anchor Institutions Network (NAIN), a partnership launched in June 2023, brings together some of the county’s largest and most influential organisations to work collaboratively on key social and economic challenges.
The network is committed to four key areas of focus:
- Empowering the next generation
- Creating positive employment opportunities
- Maximising social value from local investment
- Enhancing sustainability
By working together, NAIN members aim to create stronger, safer, and more inclusive communities across Northamptonshire.
It was really encouraging to see so many organisations come together with a shared focus on creating opportunities for everyone in Northamptonshire.Jane Bethea, Director of Public Health, Communities and Leisure at North Northamptonshire Council.
During Volunteers’ Week, it felt especially meaningful to recognise the incredible contributions people make every day to support one another and to consider how NAIN organisations can continue to respond to local challenges.
North Northamptonshire Council is proud to be part of the Anchor Institutions Network and remains committed to working in partnership to build a Northamptonshire that is inclusive, supportive, and full of opportunity.
Together, with key organisations across the county, we're committed to creating real, lasting opportunities for our communities. Through the Anchor Institutions Network, we’re taking a step forward to embed social value into everything we do and ensuring we deliver tangible change for our residents.Cllr Laura Couse, Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Public Health and Regulatory Services at West Northamptonshire Council.
The Network meets regularly to discuss and set out actions to address their agreed priorities. In total, there are currently 25 members which are: West Northamptonshire Council, North Northamptonshire Council, Northamptonshire Children Trust, Northamptonshire Community Foundation, Northampton General NHS Hospital, Kettering General NHS Hospital, Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Northamptonshire Integrated Care Board, St Andrews Healthcare, Police, Fire, Police Fire and Crime Commissioner, University of Northampton, Northampton College, Tresham College, Moulton College, Voluntary Impact Northamptonshire, NNBN, Barclays, Northamptonshire Chamber, Northamptonshire County Association of Local Councils, Saints Foundation, Northampton Town FC Community Trust, Aspire NN and Silverstone.
For more information on NAIN or if you are interested in joining, [email protected] or [email protected]