Who We Are

Who we are

LPL is the campaign for a strong and independent community sector in Scotland. It was initiated in Jan 2007 by an alliance of four national networks: Development Trust Association Scotland, Community Woodlands Association, Community Recycling Network Scotland and Senscot. Each of these organisations serves community based memberships and together they share a vision of an empowered and independent community sector. Since 2007, LPL has been joined by a growing number of networks with community based memberships.

Minimal Structure

Those networks that were involved in setting up LPL took the view that creating a separate organisation would have as many disadvantages as benefits. The intention is that LPL should be seen as a 'wrapper' or 'kite mark' which denotes certain shared beliefs, values and intentions - the way the Fairtrade kitemark works. As a campaign to empower communities, LPL is not something distinct from the work already undertaken by participating bodies but it is a joining of forces. Admin functions (management of staff, finance etc) are carried out by a nominated lead organisation - the accountable body . Since our launch, and for the foreseeable future, this is DTA Scotland.

Strategic direction for LPL comes from community sector networks

Specific activities like recycling - childcare - woodlands - transport etc have created their own national intermediaries to connect and support a membership of community groups. Similarly particular structures like Development Trusts - Housing Associations - Credit Unions etc have formed national umbrella organisations for their members. Through these various networks, the more organised activity of the community sector becomes visible and therefore ' connectable'. When establishing LPL, the founding networks consciously chose not to establish a new organization as there would be a danger of displacing the work of existing networks. Consequently LPL is promoted as a gathering point for the sector's networks and it is these networks that comprise the Steering Group of LPL. Those currently with an active role are:

Shared Vision

LPL takes the view that as a result of the centralist policies of national and local governments over the last 20 years - local democracy in the UK is at a low ebb. We believe that the cornerstone for developing a more sustainable, inclusive and democratic society is for communities to have more control and responsibility for issues that matter most locally. All across the country there are examples of communities which have organised for their own empowerment. The vision we share is of a vigorous community sector, able to engage in a new relationship between the state, community organisations and citizens.

What we do

Our overarching aim is to help the community sector in Scotland to develop its own distinct identity and voice so that it can campaign effectively on a wide range of issues. We see our work as having two main perspectives: promoting the work and achievements of local communities and influencing national policy development.

We are identifying and connecting with community organisations across Scotland to recognise their work and encourage dialogue between them. Our campaign is informed by a pool of community leaders directly linked to what's happening on the ground.

We are also facilitating a national dialogue around local empowerment and related policy matters. This work is assisted by pool of academics and professionals involved in development of policy.