When it comes to relationalism and the contribution it can make to the future of partnering of different organisations, there is a huge opportunity ahead of us. If we look back on the history of public and private sectors, there have been notable failures.

In the previous publication dealing with the subject of Local Authorities and the Social Determinants of Health there was concern expressed over local government’s ability to continue to support their communities post-Brexit. Now with the advent of COVID-19 and the cost of living crisis, this concern must be multiplied and perhaps a predominant wicked issue for the foreseeable future.

In the UK and other countries the capacity of the public sector has never been more sorely tested through, in particular, the National Health Service and local authorities needing to support the care of the community and disadvantaged people. The notion of a relational approach was posed at the conclusion of Local Authorities and the Social Determinants of Health. This book evolves this thinking, particularly in the context of a relational cultural environment. The pandemic has brought about a seismic shock to national and global economies, leading to financial challenges which threaten the health and wellbeing of people and communities. It is now even more imperative that the partnering of the public, private and third sectors combine effectively to deliver enhanced public and social value, and address key social determinants of health. This book addresses the importance of relationalism. It also addresses some of the wicked issues raised hitherto in the previous volumes in the context of improving the partnering culture. In other words, in the context of more transparency and joint working, finding solutions and trust are crucially important. What beneficial effects can arise in the current environment through relationalism and how many of those complex wicked issues can more satisfactorily be dealt with?

A future partnership of equals facilitated within a regime promoting open dialogue can provide the necessary trust between contracting partners. It means re-skilling and training. The goals set within the UN Sustainability agenda (the 17th Goal) support this view.