This short report explores the lessons from three very different approaches to community engagement in Devon - a grass roots community forum, a parish council cluster and a community plan for an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. We explore the impact each structure has had on community engagement, scrutiny of local services and promoting resident responsibility.

We conclude that although the new language of localism, the Big Society and resident responsibility is welcomed in Devon, much more time is needed to embed the approach. We recommend more innovative meeting formats, more confidence for councillors, more open dialogue between state and community and better use of underused assets, will all help Devon Council to harness the creative talents of local people and better promote localism.

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Investing in Social Growth: How to make the Big Society more than a slogan.