Big Society in Kent Feedback – key points 24 th January 2011

What does the big society mean to you? Move from I to we Difference between letting people take ownership rather than assuming ownership – being allowed to do things – taking responsibility Understanding each others needs Local people need to be knowledgeable about what it going on Need to know what / who the community is – knowing how to get to people who don’t speak up – building trust and community spirit People talkig to each other – who do similar things

What does the big society mean to you? Work out what we mean by community – or society Opportunity – in our area to network and bring different strengths together – use for the benefit of the community Can have too much association with cuts If things go wrong it can it allow government to wash their hands of it?

What is happening in Kent already that contributes to the big society? Festivals – big day out in Gravesham – schools, youth clubs, activities – organised by the council Physical changes to the environment Strong pockets e.g. the Gurdwara Active networks of neighbourhood form e.g. active retirement clubs, credit unions, community support officers – police offers who have previously volunteered Kentcan – providing support – an umbrella organisation, supported by the Kent Partnership

What is happening in Kent already that contributes to the big society? Dartford – street pastors – rescuing young people after night clubs Access group for disable people – relevant planning applications to disabled people – participation encouraged re access e.g. library PACT meetings – councillors and local people – parking, local issues Music groups ‘making music’ social cohesion – all different types of music – intergenerational Question of mapping – local council should do this, debate about what is meant by local authority boundaries – becomes complicated For example – ‘Kent Matters’ Medway Matters’

What is happening in Kent already that contributes to the big society? More power to influence – information needs to be shared Networking lunches – last time 30 different agencies – sharing information round the table – like speed dating!  Dartford working lunch – to circulate Like the ‘Big Lunch’

What will need to be done to make the Big Society successful and meaningful? Need a localised framework – prioritise what is needed Need to define roles and responsibilities i.e. local councillors What about transition periods – to protect organisations during transition Don’t want to stifle creativity – but to make sense of it – safeguards from the ‘the hard to avoid’! Resources / finance is needed Advice and support to make financial bids work

What will need to be done to make the Big Society successful and meaningful? Discussion about role – social responsibility of local businesses Simpler procurement processes – need the knowledge about finance Local authority needs to be more aware of organisations – support to create a level playing field Review of how support is provided? Induct local councils into Big Society – what it really means – when the dust settles Need to balance bureaucracy with practical big society – proper checks and balances One person in communities who knows who is who, who lives where, who needs what – volunteers to offer specific skills Offer free skills of people seeking work through the job centre – knowing services and networks

What needs to change to make this happen? Community leaders learn more about each other Could large retailers make a contribution – include as stakeholders DCLG should talk to the Home Office about community resilience Big stores use local businesses Reduce red tape e.g. public liability Change litigation culture People take more responsibility for themselves Role of local council and councillors – accept they have a different role – the nature of the role – democratic accountability ? Arbiters vs. deliverers

What will you do next ? Share with each other on tables Examples:  Raise awareness about BS, further the debate  Community arts to engage with hard to reach groups – be an advocate  British Red Cross – continue realignment – talk to Kentcan about membership mapping  Support the development of community resource centre – so all can use/share the facility  Education – facilitation students having a voice about their community