EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - In safe hands: neighbourhood management governance, Bournemouth

In safe hands: neighbourhood management governance, Bournemouth

Introduction

The case study details a neighbourhood management scheme that has opted for election over selection for their board members.

Problem

Although residents make up the majority on the board, the pathfinder was keen to ensure that their aspirations and priorities reflected those of the other residents.

Description

The document sets out the approach taken to neighbourhood management in Bournemouth. It is one of a minority of neighbourhood management schemes in England that have opted for election over selection for their board members.

Approach

The approach to elections can be summarized as follows:

Half the residents will be elected every two years by postal ballot. The first election will be in 2003 and then every two years thereafter. Resident board members must live within the neighbourhood management area and be over 18-years-old.
Agencies will be approached every two years starting in 2004 for their appointment. They may appoint new members to fill any vacancies arising through the year.
Businesses, voluntary and faith organisations will be approached every two years starting in 2004 to forward nominations.

Results

Lessons learnt include:

Get the bedrock right first - your structure and constitution should be simple, strong and easy to understand.
Have a clear vision - it's easier to explain 'what' before your strategy sets out the 'how'.
Agree basic principles for decision-making, for example what you will and won't fund, such as activities that will end up mainstreamed.
Make sure there is community wide involvement.
Ensure everyone at every level knows what they are there to do, what their powers are, what decisions have already made, what priorities have already been agreed.

Contact info

Bournemouth Borough Council
info@yorkshirefutures.com

Project start date

//2004

Links

Visit the Yorkshire Futures website

Download the'In safe hands: neighbourhood management governance, Bournemouth' Report (PDF, Eng, 38 KB)

Document type

case

Themes

Urban Policy

Keywords

Social inclusion & integration