‘Duplication is the language and practice of the past’

Rebuilding communities for the future remains critical (Photo: demolition of Wyndham Colliery, Ogmore Valley)

WALES has a strong history of volunteering and community activism. While Government initiatives will come and go, communities will always undertake some form of community activity on issues that are important to them.

Many current organisations are in existence because they were established during the Miners’ Strike, when communities came together during a difficult period. It is important that this is acknowledged because it is people that are at the heart of communities. Community regeneration initiatives are not sustainable in the long term without the involvement of people. During 2000-2006, when Wales had Objective One funding, many disadvantaged communities had huge investments in physical regeneration projects. Sadly, many villages now have state-of-the-art community centres, but not committees that possess the necessary skills to run them effectively.

However, this almost embryonic culture of “wanting to help” can be further enhanced through the support of agencies that have the values and principles of community development at their core. Communities have huge potential, and that community development intervention can kick start this process of engagement through to empowering individuals, their families and communities to begin taking control of their lives.

Community Development Cymru believes vehemently that community development is about making a difference which results in some kind of positive change. Those who have witnessed community development at its best have no doubt that it has a crucial role to play in creating a better Wales. The policy context in Wales also appears to support this view. CDC works with individuals, community groups and organisations that have an interest in, or are currently engaged in, community development work and/or community development learning. Our work is underpinned by a set of values and principles on which all practice is based – progressive values such as equality; social justice; collective action; community empowerment; and working and learning together.

Established in 2003, we are the only membership led organisation in this field. We are a registered charity and company limited by guarantee, drawing our membership from individuals and organisations across the sectors. Over the past seven years our achievements have included launching a much-needed Strategic Framework for Community Development in Wales, commissioned by the Welsh Government and endorsed by the Minister for Social Justice and Regeneration.

In March this year, CDC’s core funding came to an end. That money allowed the organisation to lay down some strong foundations as the national voice for community development in Wales. But we have responded to the challenge of securing our future, and it is important that other organisations which have been dependent on Welsh Government funding adopt other strategies for survival.

We knew we had to do things differently to survive. This does not mean compromising on the values and principles that are at the heart of our work. CDC remains committed to social justice and inequality and intends to build on its existing expertise in these areas. But it does mean changes in our working practices and future developments based on an active three to five year business plan – the first time we have ever had one.

First and foremost in the changes needed was the development of a consultancy arm in order to bring income into the organisation. We did this not just because of financial necessity, but because of a commitment to better training and learning for community development and good mutual learning and support. Our move is also compatible with the current changes in third sector funding with the emphasis on procurement and commissioning as opposed to grant dependency. The Learning and Training Consultancy Team (LTCT) is now in place and able to tender for contracts.

It has recently been successful in its application to evaluate a Community Engagement Strategy in Pembrokeshire. We have also established ourselves as an Accredited Centre through Agored Cymru able to provide accredited training where required. We have also won new business, including through the QWEST Initiative, where we have been contracted to work in Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen to provide training and learning, which will enhance employment prospects.

To maximize our potential we have also merged with CDF (Community Development Foundation). This UK-based organisation has had a presence in Wales for 19 years, but because of devolution and other factors the Community Development Foundation will withdraw its presence in Wales in December 2010. Their operational manager for Wales has already started assisting us with our work resulting in extra resources in terms of staff time for CDC.

Further, we have developed closer collaborative working relationships and partnerships with other organisations in order to maximise resources and avoid duplication. Another example of collaboration is the development of an alliance between TPAS Cymru and CDC, where the two organisations will join forces to provide advice training and support in tenant community participation. Again, this is a signal of what is now expected from the third sector. Duplication is the language and practice of the past.

To support this work we have also strengthened the organisation’s governance with a newly elected chair and new board members joining at our AGM in July. The board of trustees are committed to ensuring that CDC continues to establish a relevant presence in Wales – and one which is responsive to changing demand.

Given the current climate, public service cut backs, the recession and constant battle to survive without adequate core funding, it is a difficult time for many third sector agencies across Wales. However, there is huge scope for working together to save costs and continue to meet society’s needs. Collaborative joint working practices must become a reality if we are to survive and continue to make a difference where it is most needed at this most difficult time in Wales and beyond.