To ensure that groups are aware of the Community Partnership Team, SIP management structures, related projects and application approvals sought to establish and support lines of communication between individuals, groups, training organisations and partners and to support activists to engage in direct forms of community activity.

Digital inclusion initiatives needed support. Its Management Team had a membership of 9 community representatives supported by a Development Officer and Administrator. It contributed to the partnership through participating fully in the SIP decision-making processes, engaging in development training as individuals and as representatives of community based groups and contributing to developing capacity building activities.

A major success of the SIP has been the engagement of the community in its work. This involved building the community’s skills and capacity to become influential partners.

The main community engagement structure was the Community Partnership Team (CPT) which improved channels of communication between the SIP and the community and developed new methods of effective community representation.

The Community Partnership Team was established as the overarching body for all community activity groups, comprised of 56 voluntary and community groups active in the area. It linked these groups, local people, the SIP and agencies in the area. It provided support and access to training, information and funding for groups and individuals.

Members sat on the SIP Board, and the CPT ensured they were equipped to make effective contributions at SIP meetings. It also helps set up new groups to represent the local community and promote social inclusion. It administered the Empowering Communities Fund (now the Community Voices Programme).

The SIP retained community involvement in its work, with half the board members coming from the community through the CPT. Evaluation indicates evidence of strong commitment to community capacity building and meaningful engagement of the community.

The structures of the SIP were amended to include a forum for thorough discussion prior to board meetings. It was felt that this improved the effectiveness of the community input.

The SIP made particularly effective use of ‘Empowering Communities’ funding, administered through the Community Partnership Team. Using the funds, a central shop-front office was set up, allowing greater community involvement and awareness of the CPT.

The community, social groups

Empowering Communities Fund

Scottish Centre for Regeneration
scr@communitiesscotland.gsi.gov.uk

//2003

case

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Community development

Citizens' participation, Support for local groups, Capacity building