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Community development networks began their process of meeting the challenges of Community Planning at a special event held in the Long Gallery, Parliament Buildings.
The event, organised by the Community Development Networks Forum in partnership with Community Places and NICVA, examined how Community Planning is critical to the changes that lie ahead and what challenges it will bring to those working at a local level. Over 100 representatives from community networks, local councils, and other statutory representatives were in attendance.
Speakers
Stephen Peover, Permanent Secretary of the Department of the Environment, set the scene for the morning within the wider context of the Review of Public Administration. Chief Executive of Banbridge District Council Liam Hannaway provided some perspective on the challenges that lie ahead for councils while Francie Molloy MLA spoke from the point of view of a local councillor. In response Cathy Rice from Ards Community Network, and Chair of the Networks Forum, outlined how community development networks, by the nature of their work, are uniquely placed to be key stakeholders in the community planning process.
Discussion
Colm Bradley of Community Places facilitated a lively panel discussion with representatives from all eleven new council clusters on how community planning can open up opportunities for a holistic view of local needs, new working relationships and service provision.
Challenges
A number of challenging issues arose throughout the course of the morning. Central to the process will be the need to manage expectations. Community planning will be judged on the changes it proposes to bring about but groups should be realistic about the timeframe. Although the structure of what is local will change, it should be recognised that not everything can be solved at a local level. Larger structural issues around subjects such as education and the economy will still require strong regional leadership.
Questions remain over what the practical involvement for local groups will look like, with the funding of pilot schemes essential to help answer these. Community planning will also challenge the community and voluntary sector to work together effectively in and between the new council clusters, as well as to build new relationships with changing statutory agencies. Finally, the need to build on good practice and to ensure that every voice is heard around the table is essential to the effective delivery of the community planning process.
Lisa McElherron, NICVA Policy Development Manager, said:
It is clear that community planning offers many challenges for voluntary and community organisations. But, if done well, it also offers an opportunity for enhanced community involvement, civic leadership and improved service delivery. Community networks will have a key role to play in ensuring that the voluntary and community sector is ready to meet these challenges and make the most of the opportunities. This event shows that they are up for the job."
Forum
The Community Development Networks Forum was set up in early 2002 as an informal support network for sub-regional and urban community development networks.
The main objectives of the forum include:
The secretariat is provided by NICVA. Contact jonny.currie@nicva.org for more information on the work of the forum.
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