The Regional Partnership organised a series of events that promoted specific aspects of empowerment work.

The events were held across the region, and showcased good practice and lessons learnt around success in those areas.

In 08/09, the activities focused around Asset Transfer and Participatory Budgeting.

The event report below provides a background to current policy in these areas, presents four case studies related to the events (which can also be viewed in the case study section), and summarises the key insights and learning points from the events.

The principle conclusions and recommendations were:

1) Asset transfer is generally seen as a good positive thing that enable better service deliver, empowerment of communities, supports cohesion AND protects and develops key community buildings for future generations.

2) Community asset based development is a long slow process, sometimes taking years, and maintaining momemtum and capacity can be difficult, particularly when using volunteers and residents.  More needs to be done to support and develop the skills of organisations to take on these challenges, and more resources need to be made available to buy in good technical support.

3) Local authorities need more help and support to understand the benefits and asses the risks.  Support such as that which is offered through the Advancing Assets Demonstration programme and the Asset Transfer Unit needs to be promoted and shared.

4) Funding and investment needs to be realistic and appropriate, and recognise the distinctive nature of these projects.