Common use of Community Partnerships Clause in Contracts

Community Partnerships. The localism agenda encourages individuals to take more responsibility for the running of their communities. Experience shows that this is much more likely to occur where citizens are guided through a structured process, taking into consideration a wide range of social, economic, environmental and cultural factors. CPs have the role of bringing together local individuals and groups in an inclusive way to develop and deliver community initiatives through an action plan. Working alongside the statutory bodies and other local groups, Community Partnerships can:  Raise funds for their local area from charitable and other sources, unavailable to statutory bodies  Bring together individuals and groups with a shared interest in their local area under a common action plan, planned and delivered together  Deliver improvements to their local communities which may not happen in any other way  Offer an alternative perspective in relation to local issues and concerns The CPs are set up with terms of reference that include aims and accountabilities, and a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for working with their local Parish Council or Neighbourhood Councils. Over the years, some CPs have gone on to become Limited Liability Companies (which could be charitable) with memoranda and articles of association. This has enabled them to present themselves to funders as fully independent and accountable bodies rather than as offshoots of local government, and so draw down grants. Working collaboratively we can generate high rates of participation and have a full understanding of local strengths, aspirations and needs.