Balancing complexity: The challenge for local infrastructure organisations

Local infrastructure organisations (LIOs) operate in a highly complex environment, balancing multiple expectations, relationships, and pressures from all directions. New research commissioned by NAVCA highlights just how demanding this role is - and the skills, strategy, and resilience needed to navigate it.

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The complexity of local infrastructure

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LIOs juggle relationships across the voluntary sector, statutory authorities, and funders, often with competing priorities. Their work is complex in three ways:

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1) As organisations in their own right – managing multiple stakeholders and expectations.

2) In the challenges they encounter – working at different levels within a diverse VCSE sector and with statutory partners.

3) Within a shifting landscape – adapting to changes in policy, funding, and service delivery locally and nationally.

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Each of these factors influences the others, meaning small changes, positive or negative, can have ripple effects across the entire system.

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High expectations, limited capacity

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Many LIOs work with small teams stretched beyond capacity, sometimes taking on more than they are funded for. At the same time, local authorities and health systems, facing their own financial and staffing pressures, often place high expectations on LIOs to step in and fill gaps. This can pull organisations away from their core purpose, as they take on additional work just to keep up with rising demand.

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Navigating complexity with leadership and strategy

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Given these challenges, LIOs need strong leadership, strategic decision-making, and the ability to set boundaries while maintaining key relationships. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but research suggests that organisations with a clear vision, sustainable funding models, and strong governance are better able to manage complexity and remain effective.

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Understanding these dynamics is key to strengthening local infrastructure. Download the full research report to explore the findings in more detail.