Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 - Participation Requests: Evaluation

This document assesses the effectiveness of participation requests as part of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015, which are designed to enhance community engagement with public service authorities. The evaluation, conducted by Glasgow Caledonian University, utilized interviews, observations, and report analyses to measure the impact on community empowerment and social and economic inequalities. The study found that between 2017 and 2019, there were 46 participation requests, mostly from local authorities and community councils. Results showed varying interpretations of the requests and highlighted challenges such as financial constraints and the lack of an appeals process. Despite these issues, participation requests have the potential to drive cultural change within public service authorities and improve community involvement. The evaluation noted the need for better monitoring and promotion of the requests, particularly in disadvantaged communities. Recommendations include actions for the Scottish Government and public service authorities to enhance the implementation of the Act and ensure inclusive decision-making processes. **This summary was written by an AI model and therefore should not be considered a definitive summary of the report. If you are aware of inaccuracies, please email evaluation.registry@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.**

Description

• Lead department: The Scottish Government (The Scottish Government)
• Evaluation stage: A complete evaluation report
• Other departments: No other departments listed
• Evaluation types: Impact evaluation; Process evaluation
• Impact methods: Theory-based methods
• Theory-based methods: Other
• Process methods: Focus groups or group interviews; Individual interviews; Qualitative observational studies
• Grant information: This intervention is not distributing funding via a grant
• Government Major Project information: This intervention is not a major project
• Policies: No policies provided

Event Dates

• Event Name: Publication of final results
• Event date: April 2020

Evaluation Costs

• Cost: Not provided

Evaluation sharing

• Link(s) to published report(s): Yes
• Links to evaluation plans: No link provided
• Findings: Not provided
• Permission to share confirmed: Yes