The Take Part Framework from the Department for Communities and Local Government sets out the guiding principles and values for educating citizens to enable them to influence decision making and shape public services in their communities. It also provides practical advice on learning methods and gives examples of Take Part learning in action. It supports proposals in the Local Government White Paper published last month.The Framework includes plans to place a duty on local authorities to encourage residents to be involved in the local decision making process. Take Part learning programmes will help residents play their full part as active citizens in their communities, by providing them with the information, skills and confidence they need. The Framework sets out how more people can be enabled to acquire the knowledge, skills and confidence to have their say in the decisions that have such a profound effect on their lives and their communities.

The Framework draws on the experience and lessons learnt from the activities of seven learning hubs across the country, which were originally supported by the Home Office as part of the Active Learning for Active Citizenship programme. The seven hubs have now formed the Take Part network.

The Take Part Framework is an online resource and the web address is www.takepart.org