Explore learning and insights from Big Local through themed research and stories, from resident leadership to local economy.
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Explore all 150 Big Local areas
Explore what each of the 150 Big Local areas did with their funding to strengthen social infrastructure.
research Community spirit
Progress happens at the speed of trust
This report highlights what it takes to build lasting relationships between universities and communities and what gets in the way
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Big Local: Take what we’ve learned and build what comes next
Explore lessons from Big Local and how policymakers, funders and the community sector can help shape the future of community-led change.
blog May 2026
Power and leadership
Community Needs Index: how to access and how it’s evolving
Explore how the Community Needs Index has been used, what the next phase of development could mean for understanding communities across the UK, and how you can access the data.
blog Apr 2026
Community spirit
Why the lessons from Big Local are vital for designing fairer funding programmes
As the Big Local programme ends, its lessons are shaping the future of other funding programmes. From building trust over time to tackling participation barriers and managing conflict, this blog explores what worked, what didn’t, and how funders can design fairer, more effective programmes that put communities in control.
blog Apr 2026
Community spirit
What is the recipe for big, local change?
What does it take to change a neighbourhood for the better? After 15 years and 150 communities, we find that it requires getting three things right: the people, the place, and the process. Our Deputy CEO Jon Fox unpacks the recipe behind Big Local, and what made it truly transformational.