The main aims of the Network, as set out in the Terms of Reference, are based around improving:

·         Support – providing a means of peer support for practitioners across the sectors and the County

·         Communication - developing better communications and co-ordination of activity among Community Development Workers (CDWs) from different agencies and sectors

·         Influence and voice – promoting and advocating for Community Development and its contribution to service providers/decision-makers and communities

·         Learning & development – promoting good practice and learning opportunities

The recently revised National Occupational Standards provide the following simple description: “Community Development is a long-term, value-based process which aims to address imbalances in power and bring about change founded on social justice, equality and inclusion.

The process enables people to organise and work together to:

• identify their own needs and aspirations
• take action to exert influence on the decisions which affect their lives
• improve the quality of their own lives, the communities in which they live, and societies of which they are a part.”

A more detailed description of Community Development was provided by CDX’s “What is Community Development”.