Established in January 2024, within the framework of the decentralization of state competencies to Local Authorities in the area of Social Action, this initiative now presents the Manual of Procedures and Best Practices for Social Action in the District of Braga. The Community of Practice has already held 29 monthly itinerant meetings, establishing itself as an innovative methodology guiding the work of approximately 170 professionals from the Social Assistance and Support Services (SAAS) in the territory. Results include increased operational efficiency, combating duplication of financial aid, and optimizing public resources.
The working methodology has been recognized by the National Association of Portuguese Municipalities (ANMP) as a good practice of institutional collaboration in the social sector, with potential for national replication. This progress stems from the joint cooperation of the 14 municipalities in the district — Amares, Barcelos, Braga, Cabeceiras de Basto, Celorico de Basto, Esposende, Fafe, Guimarães, Vila Nova de Famalicão, Póvoa de Lanhoso, Terras de Bouro, Vieira do Minho, Vila Verde, and Vizela — and the Braga District Centre of Social Security.
The formal presentation of the Manual of Procedures and Best Practices for Social Action in the District of Braga will take place on October 27, 2026, in the Auditorium of the Aula Magna of the Faculty of Philosophy and Social Sciences of the Catholic University of Portugal, on the Braga Campus. The event is part of the 1st Community of Practice Meeting, themed «Sharing to Transform».
The session will feature strong institutional representation, including representatives from the Braga District Centre of Social Security, the National Association of Portuguese Municipalities, mayors, and councilors responsible for Social Action from the 14 municipalities in the district. Guimarães' participation aims to foster knowledge sharing, harmonize procedures, and improve social responses provided to the population.
