Community Support
Empowering local people in their own neighbourhoods to bring people together, support residents and develop a community voice
As part of our commitment to make Scotland a better place to live and work through a more inclusive economy, we recognise that strong, sustainable local communities are the key to achieving this vision.
We are committed to community wealth building, which you can learn more about at our Community Wealth Building Hub. This means that we want to live in a country that puts economic development of local communities in the hands of the people who live there. Our community support service is dedicated to realising that goal.
Our services include:
- Asset transfer and community ownership
- Place planning and community consultation
- Community enterprise development
- Community consultations
By harnessing the power of community-led innovation and enterprise, we have helped create vibrant, resilient neighbourhoods where everyone can thrive. We are ready to help you realise your potential.
What we do
Our advisers work with local people in their own neighbourhoods to bring people together, empower residents and develop a community voice. In doing so, we enable positive change for and by the local community.
We work with, and on behalf of, Registered Social Landlords, local authorities as well as the local community directly to help create enterprises and projects that make local communities better places to live and work.
How we do it
We offer assistance with:
Are you looking to take over an asset for the benefit of your community? Many local authorities and other public bodies use a process called Community Asset Transfer (CAT) which involves the transfer of the responsibility for an asset from the Council to a community group or voluntary organisation. This can be done through either a transfer of management responsibility, short or long term lease, or through the transfer of outright ownership. CEIS advisers can help you navigate this process and through our links to other agencies can help you draw on other areas of expert support.
Local Place Plans (LPPs) empower communities to shape the development and use of land in their area. Introduced by the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019, LPPs give local stakeholders a voice in planning the future of places where they live, work and spend time.
To be considered in local development plans, an LPP must:
- Be prepared by a community body
- Propose development or use of land
- Meet legal requirements set by Scottish planning legislation
For more details, see the Scottish Government’s Planning Circular here: Planning circular 1/2022: Local Place Plans – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
Place Planning can also take a wider approach, looking beyond the requirements of the LPP and considering the wider elements of what is good in a place. Effective place planning goes beyond legal requirements. It should:
- Set an ambitious long-term vision
- Collaborate across public, private and third sectors
- Engage local businesses and residents
- Address community needs and aspirations
- Incorporate urban design best practices
We believe placemaking should be by, for and about the community. Our role is to understand your local needs and support you in realising your place planning ambitions, drawing on our extensive experience working with communities across Scotland.
Our business advisers are experts in this area, and are no stranger to helping communities grow and thrive. We can provide a range of specialist and one-to-one support to help you and your community achieve its vision.
Community development involves bringing people and groups together to make their community better socially, economically or environment. The goal is always to make the entire community stronger. CEIS is experienced at supporting community groups to deliver these impacts and our advisers will work with your group to build the capacity you need to achieve your goals, whatever they may be. We can provide direct one-to-one support from a range of specialists covering topics like vision & strategy, governance, planning, place making and communication and financial planning to help to get you moving forward.
Many community groups have ambitious projects to improve the well-being of the communities they support but it is always best to listen to the view of those you wish to work with and support at the outset. Community consultation is an informed, 2-way communication process between any organisation and the community on a particular issue. Effective consultation builds trust and empowers citizens to actively participate and to assist in developing their community. CEIS advisers can help you design, undertake and deliver effective and impactful community consultation exercises.
Ready to Transform Your Community?
At CEIS, we believe in the power of community-led change. Our expert team is passionate about working with local people, organisations, and authorities to create thriving, inclusive communities across Scotland. Whether you’re a community group with a vision for your neighbourhood, a housing association looking to engage residents, or a local authority seeking to drive community wealth building, we’re here to help.
Contact us today to discover how our tailored community support services can help you unlock the potential of your community, create lasting social impact, and build a brighter future for all. Together, we can make a difference.
