This document summarises the key findings and recommendations from the evaluation of the Empowering Communities Programme (ECP) aimed at supporting community development learning.

It includes findings regarding the programme overall, its structure and management, its performance against outputs and success of individual elements such as learning and assessment and curriculum development.

It also includes recommendations regarding how the work should continue in the future and the lessons that can be drawn from the experience of delivering the programme.

The ECP was established in Spring 2001. It aimed to promote community development learning by creating a training infrastructure for community work and delivering training throughout the North East of England.

In particular, it aimed to promote the National Occupational Standards in Community Work through work with residents and development of local groups and networks in areas of deprivation.

The ECP was made up of six projects concerned with:

The evaluation project provided a formative and ongoing evaluation throughout the lifetime of the Programme.

The evaluation includes a number of lessons for training providers, employers, Regional Development Agencies and Government Offices. In particular it suggests a need for sustained development work in local areas to establish and support local groups to identify learning needs and coordinate provision in their communities.

It also notes that although many people benefit from training and supported learning not all will want to pursue a qualification. Where qualifications are pursued, candidates should receive flexible support from assessors, mentors and employers who should recognise the value of community development learning and reward employees accordingly.

IGNITE Northeast
ignite@ignite-ne.com

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//2003

Sue Harley, University of Durham

research

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Community development

Capacity building