Empowering communities through crowdfunding
- October 2025
This two-year, £13,000 project brings together Brent, Stevenage, and five partner councils to strengthen local leadership and tackle complex community challenges. Guided by Co-operative Councils’ Innovation Network (CCIN) principles, it focuses on succession planning, person-centred service reform, and radical place-based leadership. Each council contributes to locally tailored initiatives—from anti-social behaviour solutions in Swindon to early intervention hubs in Manchester.
Key deliverables include three cross-council workshops, a virtual mentorship programme, and a sustained Community of Practice supporting ongoing peer learning. Community organisations will co-develop succession strategies and leadership tools while piloting new models of service delivery.
The project expects to engage at least 25 organisations, complete 10+ mentorship pairings, and produce seven case studies showcasing practical outcomes. With a focus on collaboration, innovation, and shared resources, this initiative aims to influence wider public sector practice and leave behind scalable, community-driven leadership models that reflect the strengths of local people and places.
Gemma Maret
Community Development
Stevenage Borough Council
Tom Pickup
Policy and Performance Manager
Service Reform and Strategy
Brent Council