Controversy over community empowerment

Stephen Maxwell, Associate Director of SCVO, who spoke at last autumn’s CDAS conference on community empowerment, has launched a trenchant attack on the Scottish Government’s recent announcement on the subject (see previous Bulletin). In an article headed ‘the demise of community empowerment’ he argues that “The disappointment is not that the government is intent on doing what it can to strengthen communities’ voice in Community Planning Partnerships. Rather it comes from the government’s failure to acknowledge that engagement in public sector led structures can never be a substitute for giving communities their own power to act”.

Management information systems for CLD

As part of its work to build the effective use of performance information across Community Learning and Development, Learning Connections undertook research into the management information systems in use by organisations involved in delivering CLD.Following on from that Learning Connections commissioned a resource which would highlight good practice and help those who are in the process of developing management information systems.  This resource is now available on their website. The resource is aimed at any individual who has some responsibility for management of CLD activities. The web page also includes a link to a report from Rocket Science (the consultants for the project) outlining the process of developing the resource and setting out recommendations.Learning Connections would be grateful for comments on this resource and any examples of how it is being used to improve management information systems.  Email learningconnections@scotland.gsi.gov.uk

Early Years Framework

The Scottish Government and COSLA have issued a joint statement ‘Early Years and Early intervention’, which sets out their joint approach and describes how early years and early intervention support the national performance framework, and proposes a list of tasks to be taken forward.One of the 4 task groups now working on this is focusing on: “Creating communities that provide a supportive environment for children and families”

Top Tips for engagement

The Glasgow Disability Alliance has published ‘Are we being served?’ A ‘Top Tips guide to involving disabled people’.  The toolkit can be used to help deliver effective community engagement, and is designed to give practical effect to the National Standards.

Neighbourhood Identity over Time and Place

Douglas Robertson, James Smyth and Ian McIntosh of the University of Stirling have studied the historical development of neighbourhood identity by comparing three contrasting areas of Stirling (Raploch, Riverside and Randolph Road). Their Report, published by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, suggests that identity is established at a very early stage of each neighbourhood’s history, and has been resilient to change. However external perceptions of a neighbourhood’s identity were often stronger and more of a caricature than those held by people who lived there. Notions of community were constructed through familiar, everyday social interactions within various localised settings, which were often enough to give people a powerful sense of place, attachment and belonging.

Campaign for a Community Allowance

A new campaign has been launched by the CREATE Consortium, to establish a Community Allowance in the UK benefits system. This would enable community organisations to pay people to do work that strengthens their community without it affecting any of their benefits. http://www.communityallowance.org

Bill on Empowerment in England

Communities Secretary Hazel Blears announced early details of a new Community Empowerment, Housing and Economic Regeneration Bill for England, expected later this year. Three new rights are proposed:

• A right to ask for a stronger say on spending decisions that affect communities.
• A right to ensure councils consider the sale or transfer of under-used properties, lands or parks to local community groups, co-ops and social enterprises.
• A right to force a debate on specific local issues onto the council agenda.

Regeneration Briefing

Partners in Regeneration have put together this useful short summary of the current Scottish Government’s policies in areas relevant to regeneration.

Community development and mental health

In June, the Community Development Foundation will publish ‘Connect and Include’, an exploratory study of community development and mental health. It will include a brief review of literature relating to relevant policy and practice, a survey and 39 interviews including community development practitioners, people with experience of mental ill-health, and staff from mental health services.

International Reader

To celebrate the fortieth anniversary of the Community Development Journal Gary Craig, Keith Popple and Mae Shaw have been commissioned to edit ‘Community Development in Theory and Practice: An International Reader’, a representative sample of the best writing from the Journal, and to write a new introductory essay. The thirty chapters demonstrate the richness and diversity of community development theory and practice in all parts of the world.