Networks
Three networks are being set up as part of the capacity building program. The themes are the priorities of the LDA’s Opportunities Fund. They cover:
- Equalities
- The Green Economy
- Town Centres
The networks are flexible, and we are open to suggestions, but in general their purposes are to:
- provide mutual support for ESF projects to improve their performance, as measured by the Readiness Assessment Tool (RAT)
- explore new areas to develop for projects
- explore new economic and employment opportunities around the theme
- help projects make a greater contribution to their local community and economy
- help address specific problems or answer questions on the network theme
- exchange best practice within the network and point to links with advice from outside sources.
How they work
Each network has:
- A discussion forum on this website
- Links to useful policy and practice information on specialist websites, with brief reviews where possible
- Access to one to one advice and support from experts
- Opportunities for round table meetings with other London projects interested in your theme.
Networks are largely self-managed e.g. the coordinator will only organise a physical meeting if you request it, and if enough other members are interested.
We really want it to be interactive; some projects have a lot of expertise, and we hope that they will share it with others. We will try to foster debate on the priorities.
To participate
Our capacity building project manager should already know which network your project belongs to, but you may want to check this when you contact them. You can log on to this website with a unique password which will be provided to you (if you are an approved project), once you have logged on you will see links to all of the networks. You can then use the "notification" button to sign up to articles or forums that you are interested in. There will be a number of themes in each network with a discussion forum. You can use the forums to to ask questions, express opinion, canvass other network members’ views and experience.
We will update links and articles on a regular basis and the website will automatically email you with a synopsys and links of content you have subscribed to. You can use the "My Notifications" menu to change your preferences and unsubscribe to areas if you wish.
Equalities
Addressing equalities issues is a key LDA priority. The LDA sets equality targets for LDA funded project beneficiaries relating to ethnicity, disability and gender and it is important that projects meet these targets. Projects that receive LDA funding are contractually committed to delivering equality of opportunity for all, irrespective of their age, faith, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, whether or not they have a disability.
Green Economy
This network is being set up as part of this project because it is a priority of the LDA’s Opportunities Fund. It helps projects and the businesses, organisations and people they work with to improve how they incorporate environmentally sound practices into their day to day business. It also explores environmental industries themselves and the opportunities they present.
Town Centres
This network is being set up as part of this project because it is a priority of the LDA’s Opportunities Fund. It helps projects and the businesses, organisations and people they work with to improve how they contribute to an integrated approach to town centre regeneration and good functioning. It also explores key town centre issues faced by a number of ESF projects.