The Government has a mission to increase the levels of participation in society. A key element of that mission is to ensure an understanding of the difference between empowerment and engagement.

Empowerment is the result of strategic and practical actions - such as engagement, participation and partnership working - that increases the capacity of people to influence the decisions that affect their lives.

A National Empowerment Partnership has been created to support and inform the Government in achieving this vision across the English regions.

Here in the West Midlands region it is called Every Voice Counts. Through the EVC empowerment network, we hope to involve as many partners as possible in sharing and learning about what does and doesn't support community members influencing the decisions that affect their lives.
We have highlighted 4 key areas of work already delivered within the region to showcase such practical activity. It may be particularly interesting to you, and you may feel keen to participate?