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Cheshire Community Voice are committed to putting citizens at the heart of the decision making process around health and social care. David Miliband MP, speaking as Minister of Communities and Local Government in January 2006, spoke about Double Devolution, 'Devolving Power from Whitehall to the Town Hall and from the Town Hall to citizens and local communities'. This agenda raises expectations of greater participation and citizen engagement and success will depend partly on an improved understanding by both local government and the local voluntary and community sector of each others roles and capabilities, including the relative power and resources of each. Partnerships are considered the way forward; however it could be argued that the proliferation of governance structures and initiatives may create some problems.

The realisation that participation requires deep cultural change as well as specific skills is driving forward the emergence of a 'participation industry' in which I believe the voluntary and community sector can play an important role, particularly those with community development experience. Perhaps one of the most challenging aspects of this agenda is widening the demands for participation beyond those often referred to as 'the usual activists'.

Removing the barriers to participation and increasing ways in which individuals can be supported and given the skills and confidence to participate depends on resources, commitment, ongoing support and capacity building. At Cheshire Community Voice we are committed to removing these barriers and embracing the Government's interest in community governance.

Hilda Yarker
Chief Executive
July 2007