Data, Evaluation and Research
Although People Zones was originally launched in 2018, upon review, it was agreed that the People Zones would be much more likely to achieve a greater and more sustainable impact if it was to take the approach of asset-based community development (ABCD). ABCD aims to build on existing assets and address local needs through community driven efforts.
To ensure the direction and outputs would benefit the community, baseline research was conducted in 2022 to uncover some of these assets and underpin the future strategy of the People Zones.
In 2024, People Zones underwent an independent evaluation carried out by Mapping for Change (MfC), which was commissioned through a public procurement process. The evaluation involved research across all three People Zones areas to identify existing community assets, understand current challenges, and gather insights into residents' aspirations and priorities for the future.
Through the use of mapping, collective data gathering, geographical information, and co-design of solutions MfC specialise in community and stakeholder engagement, collaborating with individuals and communities, along with the organisations and networks that support those communities, where the goal is to create positive sustainable transformations in their local environment.
The findings can be found via the report here:
The People Zones vision is to grow safer communities by building on strengths, creating connections and empowering everyone to play a role.
In order to do so effectively, an Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) approach was taken, which aims to build on existing assets and address local needs through community driven efforts.
Adopting an Asset Based Community Development approach based on the communities’ strengths and potentials is seen as key to maximising the impact and sustainability of People Zones.
To underpin this, Mapping for Change (MfC), a social enterprise part-owned by University College London, conducted baseline research within each People Zone to uncover existing assets, identify current challenges, and gain insights into the community’s aspirations.
The findings in each report will inform the development of the People Zones and ensure that support is targeted to meet the priorities of the residents and the networks of organisations that make up the community and support the community.
To review the Research Reports for each People Zones area, please see below:
New Parks Report
Thringstone and Whitwick Report
Bell Foundry Report
Steering Groups
As a final element of the research, a Steering Group was established in each People Zone area to ensure that the momentum and awareness generated through the engagement and research activities were maintained and built upon.
The Steering Groups, comprising representatives from the community and local support organisations, were created to help drive the programme forward for the benefit of local residents. They also provided support to community members interested in developing and delivering community-led projects.