1. Big Society and theEden Vanguard Julia Wilson ACTion with Communities in Cumbria Supporting communities … Championing rural issues

2. Each parish had a Community Led Plan • Three plans in total – Heart of Eden, Upper Eden and Lyvennet Valley • Community-led projects were already underway e.g. housing, planning, renewable energy, economic development Supporting communities … Championing rural issues

3. Learning from Big Society • Learning from the Big Society project -March to June 2011 • Captured experiences of communities and agencies involved in vanguard • 6 case studies (covering 9 projects), 5 guidance sheets, conference and report • Funded by NWIEP through Eden DC Supporting communities … Championing rural issues

4. What was on offer to communities? • Civil Servants at DCLG appointed to help “bust bureaucracy” • Raised profile for groups and projects • Grant fund Supporting communities … Championing rural issues

5. Lessons for public bodies • Continue developing their understanding of local needs • Find ways to enable communities without unduly constraining them • Continue improving communications and explain the reason for any constraints • Simplify complex regulations & processes In short, prevent regulation from being a barrier to community initiative Supporting communities … Championing rural issues

6. Lessons for community groups • Find ways to be representative of, and accountable to, their own communities • Be patient in working through complex and often necessary regulation • Be clear about the risks as well as the objectives – advancing with eyes wide open • Innovate and find ways to become less dependent on public funding and support Supporting communities … Championing rural issues

7. Impact of the Vanguard • Spotlight and national profile for Eden • A catalyst for community initiatives • Stimulus for change in priorities & practice • Highlighted good practice • Helped to move forward some projects Supporting communities … Championing rural issues

8. Challenges for Big Society • Making Big Society work in all communities • Reconciling strategic with local priorities • Ensuring devolution is appropriate – one size doesn’t fit all • Give community led initiatives time, the benefits aren’t easy to measure Supporting communities … Championing rural issues

9. Opportunities for Big Society • Community led initiatives are good value for money • They can lead to innovative, long-lasting solutions tailored to local need Supporting communities … Championing rural issues

10. More information: www.cumbriaaction.org.uk/what_we_do /big_society Supporting communities … Championing rural issues