Auditing community participation: an assessment handbook

Government rhetoric increasingly emphasises the importance of community participation in area regeneration programmes; however, it is far less clear how much those involved are able to effectively influence practice and future policy making. This report looks at ways of assessing levels of community involvement through an audit of participation, so that communities themselves can positively facilitate learning and dialogue for partners and partnerships. The handbook provides tools and appraisal exercises for measuring: the history and pattern of participation; the quality of participation strategies adopted by partners and partnerships; the capacity within partner organisations to support community participation; the capacity within communities to participate effectively; and the impact of participation and its outcomes. The handbook will be of interest to those involved in community-led regeneration groups, policy makers, local authorities and regional and national government, as well as anyone with an interest in community-led regeneration practice. A companion volume evaluating current levels of community involvement and sustainable development, Reflecting Realities: Participants' Perspectives on Integrated Communities is also available.