METHOD

Community Places' Community Planning Toolkit

Wiki Contributor History

April 8, 2019

Method Data

Links: https://www.communityplanningtoolkit.org/

A toolkit to help practitioners plan and evaluate engagement events; develop and monitor an outcomes based approach; and build and strengthen partnership working and achieve greater alignment.

Problems and Purpose

The on-line Community Planning Toolkit is primarily directed toward voluntary sectors but it is also useful for a range of partners participating in Community Planning including, local authorities and private sector interests.

The toolkit has been designed as a learning resource for all who are interested in participating in community planning - particularly the Community and Voluntary Sectors. The toolkit helps plan and evaluate engagement events; develop and monitor an outcomes based approach; and build and strengthen partnership working and achieve greater alignment. It was developed by the Scottish NGO Community places to help practitioners positively influence and enhance future community planning legislation, guidance and practice.

Origins and Development

The Community Planning Toolkit was developed by Community Places through the support of the BIG Lottery Fund to help the Community and Voluntary Sector in Northern Ireland to prepare for the planned introduction of council-led Community Planning in 2015.

In February 2010 the Big Lottery Fund issued an invitation to tender for three Community Planning Pilot Projects and a Learning, Support and Toolkit contract. Its decision to do so was:

in response to the planned introduction of Community Planning;
in recognition that the community and voluntary sectors (CVS) are under-resourced to participate in Community Planning on an equal footing;
designed to support the CVS to fully engage in Community Planning.

How it Works

The Toolkit explores five key themes which are essential for effective Community Planning Practice: Community Planning, Engagement, Working Together, Outcomes and Achieving Alignment. Each theme highlights and signposts the user to useful tools, resources and podcasts. Each of the themes are interrelated and cross referenced throughout the toolkit.