Summary of research which explores the relationship between the third sector and the state in Scotland.

This discussion paper supports understanding of the key elements and options for an emerging participatory research agenda to support, inform and critically consider the development of the community economy in Scotland, and more widely.

An introduction to What Works Scotland’s lessons for public service reform in Scotland, published at the conclusion of the four-year programme, and the report to download.

Report from the Scottish Community Development Centre and What Works Scotland explores the role and relevance of community councils in Scotland’s evolving policy context, especially as public service reform continues through the Scottish Government’s Local Governance Review.

This research report outlines and shares some of the learning about putting Christie into action from collaborative action research and reflection with Aberdeenshire Community Planning Partnership. It argues that understanding the developing frontier of collaborative and participatory governance will help to identify potential opportunities to make further progress with ‘wicked’ issues like inequality.

Case study which highlights the work of STRiVE, a third sector interface in East Lothian, and its initiative to strengthen the participation of third sector organisations in local governance.

This research explores how key stakeholders and potential users of the Participation Request mechanism articulate and frame the associated challenges and opportunities. The Scottish Government introduced a new process for community engagement, known as Part 3 (Participation Requests) of the

Report and executive summary of the findings from the second survey of community planning officials in Scotland, conducted in 2018. It compares the results to those from the 2016 survey and offers an overview of key dynamics, challenges and accomplishments over those two years, with a particular focus on the Community Empowerment Act.

Book chapter about action research theory and practice that draws on illustrations from two community planning partnerships. It discusses the relational strategies required to carry out action research in these complex public service partnership settings, including cultivating ‘sanction and sanctuary’.

Book chapter about participatory budgeting in Scotland and its interplay with public service reform, community empowerment and social justice in a global survey of 30 years of participatory budgeting.