Synthesises the findings from more detailed research reports to provide background on the S&K programme and the role of the NRU and Government Offices (GOs) in its delivery. Looks at partnership working, organisational and individual development needs and the impact of the S&K programme itself. Identifies what's working, provides a baseline of skills and knowledge needs in neighbourhood renewal areas and a baseline take-up of tools. Reviews the cost-effectiveness of the programme. Discusses the different elements of the programme: the renewal.net website, neighbourhood renewal advisors, delivery skills, regional networks and budgets.

The Skills and Knowledge Programme was introduced by the government’s Neighbourhood Renewal Unit (NRU) to bring about a step-change in the level of skills and knowledge for those involved in neighbourhood renewal, and to ensure that everyone involved in neighbourhood renewal has the support they need to improve neighbourhoods. The evaluation was designed to review the extent to which the Programme is helping to address learning and development needs and to bring about change in policies and practices.

The research involved: 62 interviews with NRU and GO staff; field work in nine LSP areas drawn from three regions; a telephone survey of 26 neighbourhood renewal partnerships on their use of Neighbourhood Renewal Advisers (NRAs); an online survey of NRAs (50 respondents) in June 2004, plus telephone interviews with 19 NRAs who had undertaken the largest number of assignments by October 2003; an online survey of registered users of renewal.net; interviews with the six Regional Network Co-ordinators and several staff and steering group members; and a telephone survey of 43 participants on the first run of six Neighbourhood Renewal Delivery Skills programme courses.

Concludes that the NRU has made very substantial progress in implementing the Skills and Knowledge Programme, with key building blocks in place to help ensure that there is sufficient capacity to deliver the National Strategy. Finds that there is evidence of Programme impact, especially in bringing about changes in policies, practices and ways of working, without which the Strategy will fail. The Programme has been a significant source of innovation in promoting learning and the use of evidence in the neighbourhood renewal field. It also offers wider lessons and experience for approaches to building capacity for improved delivery across a wider set of policies, including the broader Sustainable Communities agenda.

Department for Communities and Local Government, tel. +44 (0) 207 944 4400

01/12/2005

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EDuce Ltd, with Makesfive Ltd

research

Urban Policy > Economy knowledge & employment

Training