Drumchapel SIP was a good example of partnership working. The quality and depth of partnership activity increased over time. This has developed from the commitment of the SIP Board and support team to networking and bringing partners together. It has been assisted by the inclusive structure of the SIP, which has provided a natural forum for developing effective linkages.

Partnership building began in the preparation of the submission for SIP status to the Scottish Executive and this provided a good base once the SIP was established.

Drumchapel SIP was a geographic SIP covering the Drumchapel area in the west of Glasgow. The area has a population of 13,500. The SIP aimed to enhance the development of Drumchapel as an attractive and sustainable suburb of Glasgow where people wish to live by virtue of the quality of life afforded to them in terms of housing, education, training, health, employment and cultural and leisure opportunities.

Four Implementation Groups were established to support the SIP deliver its objectives. Within the Board, theses groups, Funding, Monitoring and Co-ordinating Groups, over 100 individuals are directly and regularly involved in the partnership structures.

The Implementation Groups were seen as the central aspect of partnership working, providing effective forums for networking, exchange of information and the development of project ideas.

The support team were very active networkers who encouraged bilateral and multilateral partnerships. The SIP’s insistence that all project sponsors operated using partnership working techniques, helped to make this a natural and expected aspect of working relationships.

The Drumchapel SIP supported a wide range of projects in the area. For example, the partners have developed a holistic strategy on the social and employment needs of substance abusers. Partners have good expectations of each other and a willingness to listen to fellow partners.

The working groups have offered further opportunities for multi-agency joint planning and networking, resulting in increased participation from private sector businesses, which had previously resisted involvement.

The SIP’s role is that of “enabler”. It has contributed to funding projects which provide capacity to pursue key objectives. This “enabling” approach has led to the development of operational partnerships.

The community

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

//2003

case

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Community development

Citizens' participation, Capacity building, Support for local groups