Community Development Delivery Plan

Ards and North Down Borough Council in partnership with the three community networks; Ards Community Network (ACN), County Down Rural Community Network (CDRCN) and North Down Community Network, (collectively known as South East Community Development Networks) agreed a Community Development Service Delivery Plan for community support.  The Plan is set within the strategic aims and priorities of:

  • The Department of Social Development in their Urban Regeneration and Policy Framework Document (2013)
  • Ards and North Down Borough Council Corporate Plan (2015-2019)
  • The South East Community Development Networks’ Strategy “Working Together” (2009)

An eight week public engagement process enabled the general public and interested parties to contribute to the proposal for Community Development Service Delivery and more than 750 people provided input.

The agreed delivery model compliments and adds value to the Networks’ provision, as detailed in the joint  South East Community Development Networks business plan. 

It is important to note that the Community Development Service Delivery Plan is a transition plan, developed primarily to harmonise the Councils Community Development Services for 2016-2017.  As such no radical changes to service delivery is proposed at this early stage. 

A progressive approach to community development service delivery is ongoing, as aspects such as Community Planning will further shape and add value to service provision.  The Council will continue to work in partnership with the three community networks to regularly review the implementation of this proposal and plan to ensure the delivery of a service which is equitable, flexible and needs based.