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.

This Handbook offers a structured and logical way to work through the task of designing and planning any engagement process. It is aimed at citizens, community or public engagement practitioners, elected or government representatives, and other sponsoring organisations or stakeholders. 

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.

Guest blogger Pauline Hinchion, Director of Scottish Communities Finance, as part of What Works Scotland community sector inquiry work, returns to the Christie Commission’s report to consider the fundamental challenge of empowering low income communities and the potential for asset-based approaches to work alongside public services.

Guest blogger Ian Cooke, Director of the Development Trust Association Scotland analyses the current context for community place-making and calls for a commitment to investing in the significant contribution anchors can make to building community infrastructure. 

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.

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 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.