RESOURCES

Beacon North East is producing a number of case studies to promote models of public engagement that are participatory, democratic and accountable. These case studies, and a number of other public engagement resources, will be available on this section of the website in coming weeks.

"Having been involved in a major maritime archaeology project with strong community engagement, the Newport Medieval Ship, I was keen to hear more about the work of Beacon NE, and how participatory approaches could facilitate community involvement in our work in Newport. Subsequently, I have used the Co-Inquiry Toolkit in devising a research project with a community heritage group in West Wales. The clarity of language and concepts in the toolkit have proved invaluable, with straightforward guidance on best practice in planning a project based on the participatory approach. The toolkit will continue to provide a ready reference as the project progresses. I will certainly refer to this guidance in ongoing and future community heritage and archaeology projects, giving me increased confidence that such projects are designed to encourage community voices in the co-production of research."
Nigel Nayling (School of Archaeology, History and Anthropology - University of Wales)

We also recommend that you take some time to explore the work of the other Beacons for Public Engagement, much has been learned in these varied and innovative partnerships:

CUE East: http://www.uea.ac.uk/ssf/cue-east
Edinburgh Beltane:http://www.edinburghbeltane.net/
Manchester Beacon: http://www.manchesterbeacon.org/
Beacon for Wales: www.engagingwales.org
UCL: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/public-engagement/

You can now read more about the culture change within the Beacons in the PEP-Talk blog.

We also have friends at the University of Brighton's Community-University Partnership Programme - for more information on their work, please visit: http://www.brighton.ac.uk/cupp/

The National Co-ordinating Centre for Public Engagement (NCCPE) co-ordinates, captures and shares learning between the Beacons and across UK higher education institutions and research institutes. As well as supporting universities to engage with the public, the NCCPE work to promote best practice in public engagement and provide a single point of contact for the whole higher education sector. For more information on the work of the NCCPE and their range of online resources, please visit: http://www.publicengagement.ac.uk/

Crucial to our success is the support of our funders, the UK Higher Education Funding Councils, Research Councils UK and the Wellcome Trust.

You can follow Beacon North East on Twitter.