Scope of the study

The chronology of our work is shown in Appendix 1 which also shows how we gathered evidence. The terms of reference are in Appendix 2.

In short, we asked the following questions:

1. How would you define community development?
2. Can you give examples from your experience?
3. What were the benefits of the approach?
4. What barriers made the project more difficult?
5. What support did you receive from the Council?
6. What assistance would have helped?

We asked a wide range of people experienced in the field including a visit to South Somerset District Council, a Focus Group with representatives from the voluntary sector and we sent questionaires to colleagues in statutory and voluntary organisations. We also had presentations from staff and we had unattributable discussions with about a dozen staff members who volunteered to talk to us.