Sustainable Communities
Our Approach
SURGE provides research, consultancy and professional development services to those assisting local communities. SURGE’s ‘critical friend’ ethos is collaborative and supportive. We aim to build longer-term relationships with clients that result in lasting development and transformational change.
Our Expertise
We have knowledge of many policy and practice contexts including social, environmental and economic arenas. SURGE can offer more meaningful engagement with communities and professionals, e.g. via 'learning communities'. We can shed light on the difficulties involved in managing complex regeneration initiatives. Our evaluations aim to develop policy and holicise practice.
Our Skills
SURGE uses qualitative and quantitative research tools, techniques and systems to gain the insight and information needed. We have a suite of tools that help service providers offer more appropriate evidence about performance and outcomes to communities and commissioners.
Previous Projects
- Working with Braunstone NDC (Leicester) to evidence outcomes for the community and exploring sustainability options. View the
summary report
- Helped Coventry Partnership and local people identify priorities for neighbourhoods
- Supported Church Urban Fund to evidence its impact on communities via a case study approach
- Assisted Valley House to review the effectiveness of its domestic violence support service
- Rolling surveys for Coventry City Council on how citizens measure quality of life
- Annual surveys of retail use in Coventry city centre for CV One
- Provided proposals to improve engagement with enterprise support, for the local Chamber of Commerce
- Examined the feasibility of Enterprise Pods for Coventry NDC
Previous Projects & Case Studies
Building Better Neighbourhoods - Oxfordshire Stronger Communities Alliance
Churches in Action - Where churches are making a difference - Church Urban Fund
Assessing Community Engagement and Enterprise Support in Nuneaton and Bedworth - Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce
Involving Local Communities in Shaping Neighbourhood Priorities - Community Empowerment Network
Canley Quality of Life Survey - Coventry City Council Regeneration Services