International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy

Purpose – The primary purpose of this paper is to explore the implications of a Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) Report published in June 2008 for the role of voluntary, community and faith (VCF) based organisations in supporting and developing networks of support and influence at the local level.

Design/methodology/approach – The paper draws upon the empirical data collected for one of the case studies in the JRF report and develops the conclusions drawn.

Findings – The roles played by key individuals in VCF organisations may “open” up access to services for refugee and asylum seekers but they may also inhibit access. Their significance as centres of influence and authority in a post-representative form of local democracy suggests that their role may have been under-estimated in the UK. At the same time, local state organisations are experimenting with devolved street based or neighbourhood focussed approaches and these twin developments raise issues of accountability and decision making.

Research limitations/implications – The findings and the paper point to the need for further grounded research which is situated in localities and can examine the ways in which local state agencies have experienced the processes of change and dislocation.

Practical implications – It illustrates a number of examples of innovation at a local level which invite an examination of the replication in other neighbourhoods.

Originality/value – The paper draws upon the direct experience of local community facilitators and explores ways in which they can influence change.