Community engagement is rarely easy but becomes less challenging through repeated practice and reflection. It can be daunting to think of implementing an engagement process if this is not a field of experience.
Engagement processes will almost never be perfect, and mistakes will be made but it is important to always try to strive for best practice which is reviewed and improved over time.
A range of support mechanisms have been developed in Scotland which may assist in developing and enhancing practice and below we provide links to those most relevant.
Participation Standards and Frameworks
- National Standards for Community Engagement (NSfCE)
- The International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) Core Values.
- The International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) Spectrum of Public Participation.
- Scottish Governments Participation Framework.
- Community Capacity Building Support by Scottish Community Development Centre
- Local Place Plan Circular from Scottish Government
- Community Engagement Work Package - Scottish Government
- COSLA Community Engagement and Participation Guidance
Tools and Training
- Scottish Community Development Centre (SCDC)
- Visioning Outcomes in Community Engagement (VOiCE) by Scottish Government
- Involve UK
- Our Place Website for the Place Standard Tool
- Digital Participation Platforms Guide by People Powered
Information on Community Engagement in Capital Investment
- National Planning Framework 4
- Public Engagement on Infrastructure by Scottish Futures Trust
- Commonplace Guide on "5 ways community engagement saves developers money"
- Gensler (a global architecture, design and planning firm) blog "Community Engagement in Motion"
Local Community Links
When undertaking community engagement, it can be helpful to work with established local groups. It is important that at the beginning of any project that appropriate mapping activities are undertaken that identify such groups. Areas of concentration should include:
- Third Sector Interfaces (TSIs) - these are organisations that provide a single point of access for support and advice for the third sector within local areas (a Scottish wide list can be found here).
- Community Anchor Organisations- these are normally large organisations that have a significant stake in a local community and/or a large presence/reputation. Such organisations commonly include housing associations, development trusts, community led health organisationsand local charities or community organisations.
- Community Councils- Community Councils are voluntary organisations set up by statute by the Local Authority and run by local residents to act on behalf of its area. As the most local tier of elected representation, Community Councils play an important role in local democracy. (Find a community council here).
- Community Groups and Activity Groups- often attached to local community venues (including leisure and health buildings), such groups will see local people involved in their operations from a range of backgrounds and with a range of interests. Researching local venues will allow for the identification on many active local groups - including groups operated for (and by) individuals with protected characteristics.
- Faith Communities- communities based around a place of worship in or close to the local community.
- Education Communities- schools, colleges and universities in and around local areas. Each establishment will have important structures that can be involved including PTA's and pupil/student councils etc.
- Local Businesses- including local independent retailers and service providers as well as larger established companies who may employ many local people and have important local knowledge.
Although this list is not exhaustive it should provide a good starting point for geographic research into local communities and identify and support planning for community engagement and the development of local relationships.
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