What is community engagement?
The term ‘community engagement’ is everywhere. But it can often be used to mean a lot of different things.
Put simply, community engagement is the process of involving people in decisions that affect them. This can mean involving communities in the planning, development and management of services. Or, it may be about tackling the problems of a neighbourhood, such as crime, drug misuse or lack of play facilities for children.
With the introduction of community planning, community engagement has become even more important. In particular effective engagement of local people is critical to the regeneration of our most disadvantaged communities. It is only by listening to the experiences and ideas of people who live in these communities that we can find solutions that will make a lasting difference.
Links to useful resources
National standards for community engagement – these standards set out what is expected from community engagement activity. They provide practical guidance on how to make sure that your community engagement activity is effective.
Community involvement: the roots of the renaissance – this report summarises the main shifts in policy and developments in the field of community engagement.
Searching for solid foundations: community involvement and urban policy – a summary document which puts community engagement in the context of wider government policy.
