Inclusivity

Inclusivity is an important factor in creating collective agreement over your plan. This is closely related to the engagement section because with good engagement, people are more willing and able to take part in decisions about identifying needs and aspirations as well as taking forward future actions to address needs and aspirations identified.  Thorough engagement across the community is important to create a meaningful plan, which empowers, and attracts participation from local residents.

An inclusive approach should be considerate of everyone in your community, this requires an ability to reach out to those less able to engage and to listen to the range of views and perspectives. This will allow a wide range of input to addressing to your community’s needs and challenges, as well as identifying opportunities and working collectively to deliver any plans in a way that provides creative solutions which include everyone.

This inclusive approach can also be implemented when considering problem-solving options using social enterprise. Social enterprise can provide an opportunity for those disadvantaged in the community to take an active role in delivering solutions, for example through supported employment or as active volunteers. Many social enterprises have an employability element providing opportunities for people who may face barriers to employment and are often excluded from traditional employment models but can be included as part of the wider community benefit from the enterprise activity.