News From Creating Excellence: Take Part Programme Looks For Potential Pathfinder in Region

It is likely that one just project in the South West, in addition to the current Exeter based project, will be put forward to CLG. 

The policy context is provided by the Empowerment White Paper, Communities in Control: Real people, real power which states that:

"Citizenship learning is also important for adults. Some people want to know more about how local services are managed and local democracy operates. Some people need support and encouragement to have the confidence to speak up and get involved. We will support a Take Part local pathfinder programme, offering information and training on how to be an active citizen. It will build on the existing Take Part network. (paragraph 2.22, p. 39)

"At the local level, the Take Part local pathfinder programme will identify a number of local authorities willing to work in partnership with third sector, business and Local Strategic Partners in their areas, to develop local programmes of activity that would include the following components:

• Programmes of learning that build skills and confidence, within a community context - this would include active shared learning, leading to increased individual and collective voices, action and influence
• A community leadership programme that offers tailored support into civic activism and/or lay governance roles
• Information about the availability of opportunities for influence and lay governance roles across the public sector in the locality, and support for greater mobility between such roles
• Access to accreditation for citizenship learning and skills development where it is required."

It is proposed that funding of around £100k in 09/10 and £120k in 10/11 will be available for each Pathfinder project.

If you feel your "area" (probably local authority area but could be neighbourhood or cluster of neighbourhoods) is a good place for such a pathfinder and should be considered then please let John Skrine know ASAP and by midday Thursday 22nd January at the latest, e-mail john.skrine@creatingexcellence.org.uk.  At this stage we believe GOSW wants just a few lines to summarise the case for consideration.