Go to recipes A-Z
Unfortunately, there is no standard out of the box community planning blueprint. As each area is uniquely shaped by its people, culture and surroundings, the approach will be different for every community or neighbourhood.
VP groups can pick and choose recipes that would work best for their communities.
This cookbook which is constantly being updated, lists various recipes from A-Z on how to undertake community planning
How do you get started with community planning?
Back to recipes A-Z
Key elements of community-led planning
1. Strong leadership
Planning should be led by a group from the community that has credibility with the different sections of the community. The group must balance the interest of all stakeholders.
2. Community engagement
The community or locality should be involved in every step of the planning process. Isolated groups should be given a voice.
3. Strong evidence base
An effective plan is based on the views of the people which are grounded in evidence of real issues and aspirations.
4. Vision
A clear vision for the future will inform the way ahead. It should be grounded and must relate to opportunities and the the local context.
5. Action plans
the vision should be translated into a an action plan with clear objectives and priorities.
Parish and Community Planning
The Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) developed the parish and community planning model for smaller more rural communities. The nine (9) step approach focuses on building high levels of participation, building communitys capacity and strengthening linkages with government.
Step 1 - getting started
To start the process, you need to get people interested with publicity and hold an open event to gather support to undertake the process.
Step 2 - establishing the steering group
Set-up a steering group with wide representation from the community.
Step 3 - developing a project plan
During the course of a series of meetings put together a strategy, budget and programme to show how you are going to undertake the plan, ensuring you consult with everyone in the community.
Step 4 - community consultation
This is a time to undertake a variety of interesting and fun consultation exercise involving as many people as possible both in taking part in expressing their views.
Step 5 - prioritising and action planning
Sort and prioritise the issues and begin to form groups to take forward actions.
Step 6 - drafting the plan
Put together the first draft to share with the community and partner organisations.
Step 7 - finalising the plan
Consult with the community and partner organisations and produce the final document.
Step 8 - implementing the plan
Consolidate any actions started and begin to implement others
Step 9 - monitor and review
Once you have completed a plan, a regular review and update will ensure continuous progress on the needs and requirements of your community. Consolidate any actions started and begin to implement others.
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