The research compares practices in thematic SIPs with those in area-based SIPs.

It identifies lessons from the thematic SIPs on:

The report also considers the overall lessons in terms of mainstreaming equalities, progressing local governance and achieving sustainability within local partnership working.

Social inclusion partnerships (SIPs) were a key part of the Scottish Executive’s social justice policy agenda in the late 1990s. The SIP approach saw the introduction of new thematic partnerships which focused on the social exclusion of particular social groups, as well as an expansion in the number of area based partnerships which targeted the most deprived communities in Scotland.

This research was designed to identify the lessons which emerged from the practices of thematic SIPs, to inform the practices of future partnerships which are either focused on deprived areas or on the needs of particular social groups.

The research draws on a review of published evaluation reports from fourteen thematic SIPs, together with a sample of ten area based SIPs.

The research found that thematic SIPs made new and innovative contributions to partnership practices in Scotland.

The report concludes that, in moving beyond the traditional area-based focus to engage with excluded groups within and beyond the most deprived neighbourhoods, thematic SIPs highlighted recognition of the particular needs of specific social groups and offered unique contributions to partnership practice.

Communities Scotland
Phone: +44 131 313 2680
enquiries@communitiesscotland.gsi.gov.uk

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01/01/2007

Macpherson, Suzi; Goodlad, Robina; McKenzie, Carol

research

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration

Integration of social groups