Understanding Success in Big Local

Introduction

This report explores what success looks like in the Big Local funding programme. Big Local supports resident-led change in neighbourhoods in England.

The report shows how participants define and experience success and the progress towards Big Local’s outcomes:

• communities will be better able to identify local needs and take action in response to them

• people will have increased skills and confidence, so that they continue to identify and respond to needs in the future

• the community will make a difference to the needs it prioritises

• the area will be an even better place to live

It’s intended for funders, community stakeholders and policymakers interested in long-term community change.

Findings

The report found that all communities progressed towards Big Local's 4 outcomes. However, progress and the definition of success varied across areas and individuals.

Communities that showed the strongest progress towards the outcomes, also had a greater sense of agency. This suggests that achieving the outcomes can help communities gain confidence and power.

Overall, the findings show that long‑term, resident‑led approaches can help communities build lasting confidence and influence, when they are given the space and support to do so.