An evaluation of the development and functioning of the Boscombe Network for Change, a health alliance or partnership for health in Dorset

Abstract

This paper reports the results of a process evaluation of the Boscombe Network for Change, a health-related forum of statutory and voluntary agency employees, volunteers and local residents, set up in 1996, born out of a concern to promote 'change' in the deprived ward of Boscombe. The evaluation focused on whether members of the Network felt they were involved equally and whether the Network acted as a forum for the exchange of information, and facilitated the involvement of local people in decision-making. A 'cobweb exercise' identified three process categories which needed further exploration: commitment, community involvement and communication. Although the majority view was that all parties were committed to the Network, local residents did not believe that their views were reflected in many of the decisions made, and expressed concern that often the language used, both written and verbal, contained jargon which excluded some members. The findings of this evaluation demonstrate the tensions that can occur while working with dis parate groups of people. For professionals there was a tension between their desires to focus on the community's priorities while also ensuring that the needs of excluded groups and the disadvantaged were addressed.