LEADER Programme Bryan McGrath Scottish Borders LAG Integrating LEADER and Local Development Strategies

Workshop Aim To provide a set of positive, practical messages for the design of LDS and CLLD in the next programming period But first, some background….

What is LEADER? “LEADER encourages rural territories to explore new ways to become or remain competitive, to make the most of their assets, and to overcome the challenges they face.” EC, 2006“LEADER encourages rural territories to explore new ways to become or remain competitive, to make the most of their assets, and to overcome the challenges they face.” EC, 2006 Links between the rural economy and development actions - LEADERLinks between the rural economy and development actions - LEADER

LEADER Approach

The LEADER Programme Specific required element of SRDPSpecific required element of SRDP 5% minimum of SRDP5% minimum of SRDP 20 Local Action Groups (LAGs)20 Local Action Groups (LAGs) Local Development StrategyLocal Development Strategy Local decision makingLocal decision making Local responsibility and accountabilityLocal responsibility and accountability Local ‘Lead Partners’Local ‘Lead Partners’

What has worked well? Multi-sectoral, community based approachMulti-sectoral, community based approach Local decision making linked to local budgetsLocal decision making linked to local budgets Innovative natureInnovative nature Energy and enthusiasmEnergy and enthusiasm Capacity building for applicantsCapacity building for applicants Involvement of private and third sectorInvolvement of private and third sector

What needs to be improved? Lack of focus on the 7 LEADER PrinciplesLack of focus on the 7 LEADER Principles Conflict b/w Principles and EAFRD frameworkConflict b/w Principles and EAFRD framework Initial lack of clear guidance….Initial lack of clear guidance…. Compounded by on-going changesCompounded by on-going changes

Key Lessons for Future Programmes A clear framework at the start of the ProgrammeA clear framework at the start of the Programme Appropriate preparation, capacity building and training for stakeholdersAppropriate preparation, capacity building and training for stakeholders Accreditation and control teams to be involved in designing the new ProgrammeAccreditation and control teams to be involved in designing the new Programme Refresh LAGs - strengthen participationRefresh LAGs - strengthen participation

A New LEADER Programme Making Better Use of the LEADER ApproachMaking Better Use of the LEADER Approach Focus on, and develop, the 7 PrinciplesFocus on, and develop, the 7 Principles Different LAGs reflect diversity of approachDifferent LAGs reflect diversity of approach

Next Steps Local Development Strategy preparation Technical Guidance Monitoring & Evaluation IT system Financing LAGs and Projects

Key Message LEADER as a ProgrammeLEADER as a Programme –Cutting edge, innovating, piloting LEADER as a method for Community- Led Local DevelopmentLEADER as a method for Community- Led Local Development –Using some/all of the techniques from the LEADER Programme experience

Question 1 What was your experience of designing and developing your current LDS (if you were involved)? Are there key lessons from that process that we need to build into the new Programme?

Question 2 Should more guidance be provided to LAGs in the future programming period in terms of designing and delivering LDSs? If so, what is required and from whom?

Question 3 How can the role of LDS be strengthened and made more coherent as the central tool that develops projects that meet local objectives?

Question 4 How will LDSs deliver new EC proposals on Community Led Local Development (CLLD)?

Question 5 Are there any other issues related to LDS that we have not covered?