Voluntary Sector Organisation Public Partnerships (IOPs) : enabling or undermining the democratic voice of voluntary organisations?

Voluntary Sector Organisation Public Partnerships (IOP) are a new collaboration form for voluntary and public organisations aiming to give financial support to a welfare service provided by the voluntary actor. The aim of this study is to examine to what extent a voluntary organisation can be independent in order to be able to advocate as an IOP-participant. The object of study is the Red Cross and their treatment centre for war wounded and tortured in Malmö. Their three IOPs established with Region Skåne and Malmö stad are in focus. As theoretical framework, theory on resource dependence theory and isomorphism is used. Through interviews with relevant actors as well as a document review, it is concluded that the Red Cross has been able to retain quite independent as an IOP-participant. Because of dialogue-based follow-ups and soft guidelines, they do not perceive themselves as too steered by the public actors. Even though parts of the organisation are professionalised and have a low member-orientation, this process happened before the Red Cross entered the IOPs. In the case of the Red Cross, a certain professionalisation seems to have helped the organisation to remain independent when working closely with public actors.