EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - Evaluation of the effective engagement of communities in regeneration

Evaluation of the effective engagement of communities in regeneration

Introduction

A final baseline report of the findings of research on the current experience of community engagement activity across Scotland.

Description

The research provides information from the detailed investigations of community planning areas on:

the community engagement structures;
the role of neighbourhood community action plans;
the role of community councils, 'communities of interest', forums etc;
adoption of the National Standards for Community Engagement;
engaging with equality groups, and measuring effective community engagement.

Background information

There are 32 community planning partnerships in Scotland and effective, genuine community engagement must be at the heart of the community planning process. This baseline study sets out the current experience of community engagement across Scotland.

Methodology

The research was undertaken through:

an analysis of 32 Regeneration Outcome Agreements (ROAs);
a review of ROA annual reports from community planning partnerships;
detailed investigation of seven community planning areas (Aberdeen, Dumfries and Galloway, north Glasgow, Orkney, West Dunbartonshire, West Lothian);
interviews with officers involved in community planning;
focus groups of community activists;
and a seminar involving community members and officers.

Conclusions

Much activity is being undertaken across Scotland to facilitate the engagement of members of the community, such as finding out the needs of the community, capacity building, and helping public agencies engage with communities.

However, there is little evidence of any major transfer of power and decision making from agencies to communities. Most of the community planning partnerships have adopted national standards for community engagement, which provide a helpful framework for good practice.

It is important that the expectations of community engagement are clarified and agreed in each area. Equalities issues relating to community engagement need to develop further as does its monitoring and evaluation.

Contact info

Communities Scotland
Phone: +44 131 313 0044
enquiries@communitiesscotland.gsi.gov.uk

Publication date

Project finished

01/12/2006

Researcher

ODS Consulting

Links

Visit the Communities Scotland website

Download the "Evaluation of the effective engagement of communities in regeneration" report

Document type

research

Themes

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration > Community development

Keywords

Citizens' participation