What Works in Community Involvement in Area-based Initiatives?

The SCRSJ was involved in a systematic review of research evidence on the effectiveness of community involvement in area based initiatives (ABIs). Community involvement is an important feature of public policy and of ABIs in particular, and yet the assumptions of policy makers that it will have beneficial effects are little tested.

The review found mixed evidence about whether community involvement has a positive or negative effect on social cohesion. However, most authors appear to agree that positive impacts on social cohesion outweigh negative. Many authors also report that, despite some practical difficulties, community involvement has had a positive impact on public policy and service delivery. Evidence that community involvement can generate a sense of inclusion, self-respect and self-esteem comes from several studies although few authors make explicit this aspect of involvement.

The final report was published by the Home Office on 13 October 2004 and can be accessed by clicking here.

Burton, P., Goodlad, R., Croft, J., Abbott, J., Hastings, A., Macdonald, G. and Slater, T. (2004). What works in community involvement in area-based initiatives? A systematic review of the literature. Universities of Bristol and Glasgow for Home office. Home Office Online Report 53/04.

Funder: The Home Office
Status: Completed