What can be learned from the project?
• The Compass Regeneration Academy programme was accredited by the Institute of Leadership & Management in 2007. Gaining accreditation was quite labour intensive, and carrying out internal moderation and quality control requires dedication, but it has brought significant value to the programme by giving participants a recognised qualification.
Students celebrate
at the end of the
programme
• The Compass model is easy to replicate in other regions and areas. Following the success of the Merseyside programme, Compass Regeneration Academy Greater Manchester was launched in 2007 to deliver the same learning and development opportunities in Oldham and Rochdale. A short pilot version of the programme, lasting four days, has been developed in conjunction with Wirral Borough Council and there are plans to run this in the wider NewHeartlands area, one of the Government’s Housing Market Renewal Pathfinders set up to address housing demand issues in Merseyside.
• Individuals at an early stage of their careers have the opportunity to establish a strong professional network, by meeting peers as well as more experienced regeneration practitioners.
• An evaluation by the Institute for Political & Economic Governance at Manchester University during the first year of the programme provided useful recommendations on how it could be improved and developed. Changes that were made as a result of these recommendations included shortening the course from 15 to 11 days and broadening the range of students. Ongoing evaluation takes place with students, practitioner tutors and guest speakers.
Topics associated with this project
Governance, Housing, Neighbourhood, North West, Planning, Private sector, Skills, Training