There is currently much discussion and a diversity of views on what constitutes sustainable communities and sustainable development. Perspectives that can be taken include those from economics, community development, planning, culture and the natural environment.

 Developing Local History in Caithness and Sutherland

Directory of Social Change a good source for reference books.  See their website at www.dsc.org.uk

This debate is relevant to growing interest in the concept, policy and practice around developing mixed communities that will be sustainable and vibrant in the longer-run
The National Standards define community engagement as:

'Developing and sustaining a working relationship between one or more public body and one or more community group, to help them both to understand and act on the needs or issues that the community experiences'.

It is now accepted that public services that involve their users are likely to be of higher quality and more relevant to the communities they serve.

The Scottish Executive has built the principle of community engagement into policy and guidance to public services.  This is most notable for Community Planning through which the Local Government Scotland Act requires all public services to work together.  The guidance on the act states:

'Community Planning is essentially a process to secure greater engagement from communities in the planning and delivery of services'

on the “Thrive” agenda providing a range of support services to the local Third Sector
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Community Health Exchange

 

Land Reform Act compliant model constitution

(by Tamsin Morris, published Sunday, 18 October 2009 13:14)

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) have produced new model articles of association and guidance notes to assist community bodies setting up in response to the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003.

This new version has been approved by the Community Assets Branch of the Scottish Government and reflects recent changes in the Companies Act 2006.  The model also includes a re-worded clause (68) which gives a new interpretation of audit requirements.  To see a copy, visit http://www.hie.co.uk/information-downloads.htm

Alcohol licensing - what does it mean for community organisations?

(by Tamsin Morris, published Sunday, 18 October 2009 12:28)

New guidance on the implications of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 has been prepared for voluntary groups.

The Act came into force in September 2009 and may affect voluntary groups which sell alcohol, particularly if it's only on an occasional basis, such as at fund-raising evetns.  To see the most up to date version of the guidance, click here .

 
   

 

 

A site that is designed to help communities across Scotland exercise their rights under the Land Reform (Scotland) Act through the provision of independent advice and support. http://landreformact.com