Optimising and embedding a community development approach in local systems to improve health and reduce inequalities

Community development is a multi-faceted process which generates individual and community empowerment and can contribute towards reducing health inequalities. Funding for community development is typically provided on a short term ‘one off’ basis which limits its potential benefits. Continued investment so that community development becomes mainstreamed is needed. Embedding community development within local systems so the approach is normalised is one way to achieve continued investment and to maximise benefits. Examples of such embedding are rare and there is little research examining the processes involved and outcomes achieved. This research project is aiming to fill these gaps.

This ARC North Thames funded project undertook interviews with key informants, and a case study in East London following an attempt to embed a community development approach, inspired by the Well Communities programme, into the Borough Council's way of working.

This research found that the factors which influence sustainable implementation related to the characteristics of community development itself, the wider political and social context, the local public health system, individual leaders and the process of trying to sustainably implement community development.

However, key themes identified reflected the complex interplay between all of these levels. This research has also highlighted the complexity of sustainable implementation, especially during uncertain political and financial times. Recommendations for systems wanting to sustainably implement community development include: being adaptable in approach; securing diverse sources of investment; and using experiential learning as a tool to shift organisation culture and build relationships between service providers and communities. 

Future research should consider ways to strengthen the evidence base for the impact of community development on reducing health inequalities.

City, University of London

University of East London