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A new regional learning programme is set to launch across the North West, bringing together funders, commissioners, community organisations and infrastructure bodies to explore what can be learned from one of the most significant investments in community led change in England.
Led by Voluntary Sector North West (VSNW) in partnership with, and funded by, Local Trust, the organisation set up to design and deliver Big Local, the programme aims to share insight from over 15 years of resident led neighbourhood transformation.
Big Local was a bold and pioneering initiative, investing over £200 million in 150 communities across England over 10–15 years, placing decision‑making power directly in the hands of residents. The programme represents the largest long‑term investment by a non‑state funder in resident led, place based change in England.
As the programme comes to a close in 2026, there is a unique opportunity to reflect on what happened, what worked, what didn’t, and what funders and civil society should take forward into the future.
Helen Morton, Programme Manager, Local Trust, said: “With growing interest in participatory, place-based approaches, there is an opportunity to design funding programmes that are fairer, more effective and rooted in the strengths of local communities.
“Featuring speakers with first-hand experience of the programme, the series brings together people involved in the design and delivery of Big Local alongside funders, charities, infrastructure bodies and community organisations. Together, we’re sharing reflections, insights and learning from more than a decade of resident-led change.”
The North West programme will be one of a series of regional learning programmes taking place across England, responding to growing interest in community led, participatory and place based approaches to funding and public service delivery.
This comes at a time of significant change, including increasing devolution, renewed focus on neighbourhood level policy, and the development of initiatives such as the Community Wealth Fund.
The programme will provide a space for honest, reflective conversation about how long‑term investment, community leadership and local decision making can shape more effective and sustainable approaches to neighbourhood change.
Warren Escadale, our CEO, said: “Big Local has shown what can happen when communities are trusted with time, resources and decision making power. This programme is about creating space to reflect honestly on that experience and to explore what it means for the future of funding and local change across the North West.”
The North West learning programme will include:
Sessions will explore key themes drawn from the Big Local experience, including:
The programme is designed to ensure that the depth of learning from Big Local is not lost, but instead actively informs the next generation of funding, commissioning and place‑based work.
By bringing together funders, policymakers and community organisations, the North West programme will help participants:
The North West Big Local Learning Programme will launch on Monday 29 June with sessions open to funders, commissioners, voluntary organisations and community partners across the region. More information to follow!
