Circle ToC

🟡 Exploring the impact of Circles in our cooperative model

The Circle dimension in Equal Care’s model plays a foundational role in starting, supporting and sustaining care teams at a local level. Through a sociocratic structure and deep community integration, Circles shape how support is organised and experienced by everyone involved.

The map below reveals the links between Circle-specific outputs and the outcomes we aim to achieve.

You can also use the focus button to zoom in on a specific output and its connection to outcomes (e.g. image below).

Outputs associated with Circles

• Multi-stakeholder service evaluation measures the social climate, individual well-being and quality of life of Circle members.

• Circles recruit locally to support locally.

• Key roles for Circles to start and support teams are shared amongst Circle members as “Circle Hats.”

• Circles resource teams with local volunteers.

• Circles connect teams to local resources and community networks that can enrich the quality of lives of team members.

• Teams are started, supported and ended through local Circles.

• Circles operate semi-autonomously from the wider co-op, with distributed decision-making authority.

• Key roles or “Circle Hats” are nominated by Circle members sociocratically.

Outcomes linked to Circle activity

• Care workers feel more secure in their lives and livelihoods

• People have the freedom to decide upon and co-produce the care together

• More trusting, equitable relationships

• People giving and receiving support make use of local community spaces to meet peers, hold gatherings, and self-organise

• Care workers grow in expertise

• Care and support meet more of people’s quality of life needs

• Stronger community networks and partnerships are fostered

• Local Circles reflect diverse membership and collaborate with aligned organisations

• People getting support are more connected to the people, places and things they care about

• People require less paid care and support over the long term

• Team-based learning groups, peer supervision and coaching enhance people’s skills and knowledge

• Care workers feel supported and trusted

• Care and support exist in greater abundance

• More people feel the power balance is right

• Support is flexible, organised directly between people and adapted to the specific needs of people receiving care

• People providing support can identify and address potential issues faster, leading to fewer mistakes