Skills, training, learning and workforce development
Joint Winner: Accent Community Partnerships, Bradford
What was the problem?
In 2002, the Accent Community Group recognised the need for investment to support communities in Bradford. Despite significant investment in city regeneration, construction companies were importing skills from outside Bradford, even though the city has one of the highest unemployment rates in the country.
What action was taken?
The Accent Community Group worked with the district council, training bodies, the local college, employers and investors to set up Accent Community Partnerships to help local people develop the skills needed to meet local needs.
What is special about this project?
The Accent Group’s own investment in the project has been used to obtain extra funding from other sources to regenerate the area and improve skills. Funding now comes from eight different bodies, including the Learning and Skills Council, the European Social Fund, the Construction Industry Training Board and Fair Cities.
They converted an old building, located in an area of high unemployment and social deprivation, into a dedicated training unit. There are now plans to redevelop this site to provide 18 managed workspace units for new construction companies. They will also have a 5,000 sq ft dedicated space as an office and training centre.
What can be learned?
The strength and success of the project comes from its mentors, who are recruited from local communities, enabling Accent to follow and look after each individual from initial recruitment, through their training and into the first year in employment. By identifying the skills shortages in local communities and listening to local people, Accent has created a project around individuals and their needs rather than taking a 'one size fits all' approach.
Accent has successfully involved users at every stage of development to evaluate and adapt the project in line with its commitment to creating sustainable communities. The project is gaining international acclaim and recognition and is seen throughout Bradford as vital to encouraging local people, particularly from ethnic minority and disadvantaged communities, to take part in skills training and education.
This project has also been commended in the Engaging Young People category and is also the overall award winner.
Joint Winner: COMPASS Regeneration Academy, Merseyside
What was the problem?
The COMPASS Regeneration Academy was created to address skills and experience shortages affecting Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) in Merseyside.
What action was taken?
A consortium of RSLs and public sector agencies formed to investigate the issues, identify the skills gaps and explore possible solutions. This initial phase of work culminated in the launch of the COMPASS Regeneration Academy Merseyside. The first intake of students was received in spring 2005.
A steering group directs the project with the day-to-day running being undertaken by a Programme Manager employed by PLUS Housing Group.
The steering group organisations nominate participants from their own staff, and participants are particularly encouraged from those groups who are under-represented in senior regeneration management positions. Each steering group member also promotes the programme to their own organisation's respective Equality and Diversity groups.
What is special about this project?
The COMPASS initiative is about learning from real life examples of regeneration and about connecting learning from all parts of the community.
- The programme explores the role of local democracy
- Evaluates sustainable development
- Undertakes a neighbourhood planning exercise
- Sees neighbourhood management in action
- Compares and contrasts public and private sector regeneration
- Considers the differing needs of rural and inner city regeneration
- Reviews the impact of regeneration on health, crime, community safety, and community cohesion (particularly young people)
- Explores social enterprise and employment.
What can be learned?
A collaborative approach has been taken to the development and delivery of the programme, taking into account the short and medium term needs of the partners, particularly those working in the Merseyside Housing Market Renewal (HMR) areas.
To ensure sustainability and market relevance, training programmes are reviewed regularly and adapted to meet current local needs.
Community cohesion, equality and diversity also run through all aspects of the programme, providing staff with practical skills and tools to successfully manage future projects.
Finalists
Developing People Within English Partnerships,
England
This scheme set out to increase the skills and capacity to deliver sustainable communities across England, by providing the opportunity to share knowledge and good practice, and to develop business, technical, leadership and personal skills. Focusing on graduates and staff already working at English Partnerships, the scheme develops well-rounded regeneration professionals able to work across traditional professional boundaries to create strong partnerships with communities.
Five Links Estate
Basildon
Swan Housing Association with Basildon Council and Lovell Partnerships Ltd, embarked on extensive regeneration of the estate. In consultation with residents, the Partnership found that the original design encouraged high levels of crime and anti-social behaviour. The regeneration programme has reduced high levels of crime with a wide range of design solutions and initiatives that have focused on building self esteem, community involvement and developing the skills and capacity of local residents.
The Glasshouse Project
Cheshire
The Glasshouse Project supports and encourages partnerships between communities and professionals to improve the quality of a neighbourhood. Focusing on neighbourhoods, housing, public space, community buildings, play areas and facilities for young people, the project works nationally to provide the necessary technical skills, design advice and training to help communities lead the design process and make regeneration happen with and for local people.
Category Sponsor
Royal Town Planning Institute
