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.

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.
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
Last updated
Was this helpful?

