Delivering state funded community organising and asset-based community development in an austere England

From 2011-2015 the UK Coalition government invested £40 million in the Community Organisers Programme and Community First to deliver state-run community organising and asset-based community development in low-income neighbourhoods in England. This was trailblazing as ‘… no other nation as ever officially and explicitly trained and hired so many community organisers’ (Fisher & Dimberg, 2016, p.96). Drawing on findings from two case studies in north-east England, this presentation provides empirical evidence that both public and voluntary sector community development was fundamentally re-shaped under these programs in England. Also highlighted are the key challenges of delivering state-funded community organising and asset-based community development in an austerity-driven climate. This presentation then concludes by offering lessons for policymakers and practitioners, of all political complexions, in England and beyond.