What does “community led” actually mean? From community-led to community-owned: putting co- operative principles into practice

November 8, 2026 by David Smith

8:11:26 cm community-led to community-owned- putting co-operative principles into practice Do we need to be clear about what the fashionable term ‘community led’ actually means in practice? Chris Mundy’s discussion of Australia’s neighbourhood centres raises a question relevant to Wales. Consulting residents, employing local people or appointing local board members can contribute to participation. Whether communities exercise power depends on who sets priorities, controls resources and makes final decisions.

About David Smith

Lifelong co-operative & community activist working at all levels of the movement. Ex Government Food Adviser & UK Healthcare Regulator. Founded the first Community Law Centre in Wales; directed the first EC funded Wales Anti-Poverty Programme: pioneering co-operative & place making community initiatives. Robert Owen Memorial Museum Trustee. Director, Sheffield Co-op Development Group. Graduate Ruskin College, UC Cardiff + PGCE, MA Keele; Ex Lecturer Professional Food & Management, Gwent Tertiary College,
This entry was posted in Uncategorised. Bookmark the permalink.