Citizen Leadership
What is it?
"Citizen Leadership is an activity, it happens when people have power, influence and responsibility to make decisions. Citizen Leadership happens when people have some control over their services. It also happens when people take action for the benefit of others".
Citizen Leadership is an initiative supported by the Scottish Government. Its main aim is to develop the leadership potential of people who use services, particularly social care services and potential future users of services.
A pilot training course was funded by the Scottish Government and delivered by the Scottish Consortium for Learning Disability, ARK the Association for real change, Heartfelt and the Edinburgh Development Group.
The training had 3 main aims:
-
To give an understanding of the Principles and Standards of Citizen Leadership.
-
To develop the leadership skills of people who use services and their families.
-
To help create a service culture where Citizen Leadership can thrive.
North Ayrshire was one of only two areas in Scotland to be chosen to deliver this pilot training programme. The participants included service users, family carers, council staff and also workers from local voluntary organisations.
Comments from some of the participants
-
"I learnt to speak out to get better services".
-
"People want to be meaningfully consulted but support is required".
-
"We need to involve people earlier and give them encouragement & support to develop their leadership skills".
-
"We can all make a difference - made me more aware of how we can all play an important part in changing our lives & choices".
Where are we now?
We have established the Citizen Leadership Network to promote Citizen Leadership. We will run two further courses this year - delivered by Citizen Leaders and funded by North Ayrshire Council Social Services and Housing.
If you would like to be involved or want more information about Citizen Leadership please contact:
The Community Capacity Building Team,
Bridgegate House,
Irvine,
KA12 8BD
01294 324970