Research & Development

Dorset Community Action is a member of Cirican LLP, a partnership of 18 members of the Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE) network, who provide public sector organisations and funders with research and consultancy services in rural and coastal areas across England.

RESEARCH & ANALYSIS – Policy research, analysis and evaluations to support social, economic and environmental development across rural and coastal areas.
FEASIBILITY & DESIGN – Undertaking feasibility studies for new programmes or ideas bringing design-led thinking.
MONITORING & EVALUATION – Assessing the impact of large grant funded government programmes and other projects.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT – Advising on community engagement strategies, facilitating consultation and partnership development.
STRATEGY & DEVELOPMENT – Business strategy development for rural and coastal development. This includes Local Development Strategies and Business Plans.

Our access to rural lived experiences makes us best placed to tell the story of living and thriving in rural and coastal areas.

Our reach into local communities, and our networks and services accelerate access to data and insights.

We build the capacity of VCSE organisations, deliver community-led design and support rural economies through our work.

What can you achieve? Inspire Dorset, supporting people into employment, training and setting up in business.