In Practice: Planning for community power in Westmorland and Furness

About the project

The formation of Westmorland and Furness Council in April 2023 created an opportunity to put communities at the heart of the council’s approach and operating model. New Local worked as a strategic partner to the council, in collaboration with communities and partners, to shape a vision, strategic approach and delivery plan for community power for Westmorland and Furness.

How we did it

 New Local used a range of engagement methods and activities to involve council officers, members, partner organisations, and communities in shaping this work. Over 650 people were involved from January-June 2024, including 400+ residents. Methods included:

• Facilitating workshops with elected members including via the Locality Boards in Eden, South Lakeland and Furness and with councillors of Town and Parish Councils.
• Facilitating workshops with Local Partners including VCSE, public sector and local businesses in Eden, South Lakeland and Furness.
• Engaging officers through presentations and discussions with the Senior Leadership Team and at a Staff Expo.
• Working with the council’s community development team to design and execute a ‘Let’s Talk’ series of community conversations, including written responses to ‘conversation cards’.
• Undertaking a Learning from Elsewhere review to draw on the practice and learning from councils already pioneering community powered approaches.
• Working closely with the Cabinet and a cross-sector Community Power Steering Group to share emerging findings and to shape the future approach.

What was achieved

A vision and strategic approach for community power has been developed for Westmorland and Furness, shaped by the council, partner organisations and communities.

This approach is underpinned by three core components: For the Community, By the Community; Getting Alongside Communities; and Everyone Reaching Out, Everyone Reached.

A seven-point Delivery Plan has also been developed to guide implementation and support the council’s commitment to Community Focus being a core part of its operating model. This includes priorities in relation to organisational culture, community-powered pathfinders, and training and development for members and staff.

“As a new organisation it is an exciting time and the right time to establish how we work with communities and how communities can influence the places they live and services delivered. New Local worked with us to develop our strategic vision and approach. Their knowledge, expertise and approach provided us with excellent support and guidance ensuring we are in a strong position to move forward as a community powered organisation, tailoring everything to our local context, listening to our communities and developing a strategy that we can achieve. New Local have been a pleasure to work with and incredibly valuable partners.”

Claire Notman, Strategic Lead Safe & Strong Communities, Westmorland and Furness Council

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