As part of our framework agreement with IDeA, Resources for Change were commissioned by IDeA (The Improvement and Development Agency) to provide support to three local authorities, who came together as a ‘hub’ within the Network of Empowering Authorities, to focus on integrating empowerment practice with equalities and cohesion work.

Working  with Birmingham City Council, Great Yarmouth Borough Council and Southwark Council over about 9 months, R4C carried out a variety of tasks identified by these local authorities as important. Four case studies were produced, as well as a think piece on the rural dimension which is available on IDeA’s Better Engagement and Empowerment Community of Practice.

Irene and CDF associate Alison Gilchrist also visited each of the participating authorities to facilitate a workshop targeted to that authority’s particular needs. This gave the officers time for reflection and helped them to identify priorities for action.

Finally, Irene and Alison worked on the design of a new model and associated resources to help local authorities on their pathway to integrating empowerment, cohesion and equalities, and to launch this model Irene and Alison facilitated two workshops at IDeA's national conference in December 2009.

To find out more about this work please contact Irene Evison.