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.
Blog: In search of effective collaborative challenge for a more equitable society
James Henderson, Research Associate with What Works Scotland, considers the final reflective learning report from the Aberdeenshire case site – At the frontier of collaborative and participatory governance – which offers eight discussions that could be used to inform ongoing dialogue with a public service partnership.
Blog: Extending the community sector inquiry through a cross-sector learning community?
James Henderson, Research Associate with What Works Scotland, reflects on the potential for further shared inquiry work on the community sector role in public service reform and social change.
At the frontier of collaborative and participatory governance: Eight key discussions to support putting Christie into practice – reflective learning with practitioners from Aberdeenshire CPP
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.
Collaborative Action Research and public services – insights into methods, findings and implications for public service reform
A working paper examining the findings of four What Works Scotland researchers during a three-year programme to explore collaborative action research with four community planning partnerships.
Webinar: Transforming communities? Exploring the roles of community anchor organisations in public service reform – supporting, leading and challenging?
Webinar looking at the role of community anchors in public service reform, drawing on our research report on community-led, holistic community organisations.
Submission to Locality’s Inquiry: Keeping It Local Call for Evidence
What Works Scotland’s submission to the Locality inquiry Keeping it Local in July 2018, a call for the latest thinking and practice shaping the future of our public services
What Works Scotland chapter in new book about action research and policy
A new book on action research includes a chapter by two What Works Scotland research associates, drawing on the collaborative action research projects with community planning partnerships in Scotland.
Action Research in Policy Analysis: ‘Sanction and sanctuary’ in Scottish collaborative governance
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’.
Stories from the coalface: Exploring what it means to work together in Aberdeenshire
Reflections by participants in the Aberdeenshire collaborative action research on what they learned from the different projects and what they are continuing to learn from the experience.