SURGE's work on neighbourhood renewal and social inclusion is rooted in the concerns of people and communities. We are committed to meaningful research and consultation which helps to facilitate the development of policies and practice.
SURGE is committed to neighbourhood renewal and social inclusion in a manner that represents the views and concerns of individuals, groups and communities within neighbourhoods and localities, importantly including socially excluded and marginalised groups. Our work involves developing approaches that emphasise participation by those who are the focus of research or evaluation. The way in which SURGE engages with communities and people is as important as what we do. We endeavour to share our findings with those who have contributed to the development of research, evaluation and consultation and we place a particular emphasis on publicising and applying the results of our work.
Commissioned by Coventry City Council Regeneration Services Division, this research aimed to aid the Canley Regeneration Framework in Coventry by understanding residents’ perceptions and needs. This involved
Over 300 Canley households took part in the research, from which emerging key themes have been identified in the areas of Quality of Life; Citizenship; Community Safety; Lifestyle; Economic Activity; Transport & Access and Shopping in Canley.
Findings were presented in a detailed report as well as to the Canley Regeneration Framework stakeholders and subsequently to the residents of Canley.
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"We are confident that your research and analysis has helped us to achieve the outcomes we sought when commissioning the survey. We now have an in depth overview of resident perceptions and needs that will help us to model the benefits package... The final report and executive summary are well written and accessible to both public and professional audiences ...the Household Survey workshop SURGE facilitated...and the presentation...were excellent...many people have since commented that it was one of the most interesting and thought provoking sessions about Canley Regeneration Programme they have attended. Working with you and the team at SURGE has been a pleasure - always professional, reliable and committed, and willing to go the extra mile to support Regeneration Services and those we seek to serve "
- Margaret Dieterman, Neighbourhood Renewal Advisor
Professor Richard Farnell has recently completed a research report for the London Borough of Lewisham examining the relationship between faith communities and the London Borough of Lewisham since 1999. The report made recommendations for the future of these relationships in the light of local experience and shifts in government policy and practice. The study involved semi-structured interviews and group discussions with participants from both the local authority and a wide range of faith group leaders in the locality. The review concluded that good progress has been made by Lewisham in developing long term relationships with faith communities but that “new mindsets and new approaches are needed” in these different times.