Community Engagement is about involving individuals, community organisations, service users and businesses in the decision making process which shape policies and influence the way in which issues are addressed and services delivered.  Effective engagement is the key way of ensuring that the views, knowledge and expertise of local people can support the regeneration of local communities and an improved quality of life in South Lanarkshire.

It is recognised that many benefits can be gained by both partner organisations and communities working together, and that true and effective community engagement can produce better results in terms of the delivery of services and in improvement in the quality of life in local communities.

The South Lanarkshire approach to community engagement is to develop a broad range of opportunities which enable communities to be actively involved at all levels of the Community Planning process.

Communities can be defined in different ways.  There can be 'communities of place' for example a neighbourhood, street or village as well as 'communities of interest' for example young people, ethnic minorities, people who consider themselves to be disabled, business etc.

Currently activity takes place in the following areas:

• Community Planning Partnership
• Engagement by Community Planning themed partnerships
• Area wide engagement
• Partnership with the community and with the voluntary sector
• Links with local forums and key organisations
• Engagement by individual partner organisations

Further information can be found in the: South Lanarkshire Community Engagement and Participation Strategy 2020-2025

If you would also like to know more about events which have taken place please visit Community Planning Events.