Conference focused on engaging with research insights into what works, and what does not, in community empowerment, as well as discussing implications for the future of policy and practice in Scotland.

Guest blogger Jez Hall, from PB Partners, discusses the potential role of participatory budgeting in future community service provision. Published May 2015.

Pam Dawson of the Placed-based Programme run by the Lloyds TSB Foundation for Scotland, writes about her experience of the What Works Scotland seminars on reducing poverty held in Clydebank and Dundee in September 2016.

Nick Bland of What Works Scotland, discusses an event in September 2016 which focused on helping people to understand how institutions in society can perpetuate inequality and strategies to change this.

What Works Scotland co-director Ken Gibb reflects on a What Works Scotland event in Clydebank Town Hall, in September 2016 where 40 people from the public and voluntary sectors, plus a few academics and councillors took part in considering Community-led Approaches to Reducing Poverty.

Hilda Campbell from COPE Scotland, writing about the Scottish launch in May 2016 of Catherine Durose’s book, Designing Public Policy for Co-Production: Theory, practice and change.

Alex Stobart of Mydex Community Interest Company about collaboration and more person-centred services. Published January 2016.

What Works Scotland research fellow Rosemary Anderson reflects, in November 2015, on the relationship between decision-making and caring in public policy work.

David Allan reflects on the policy reunion event which looked at the National Standards for Community Engagement. In early 2015, the Scottish Community Development Centre and What Works Scotland were commissioned by the Scottish Government to undertake a full review and refresh of the National Standards for Community Engagement.

As chief researcher at the Scottish Government, Zoe Ferguson was instrumental in establishing What Works Scotland. in June 2015 she reflected on the journey so far.