Community climate action hubs theory of change

Overarching Programme Theory of Change

Activities

A range of activities were identified and included in the overarching ToC. These included running events and training sessions in their local areas. This engagement could be formal Hub or collaboratively planned events, but often engagement was discussed as being informal and might involve things like attending local climate festivals or exhibitions and providing advice and support to community members in attendance. Marketing and engagement/recruitment activities were also key in increasing Hub membership and local engagement.

Hubs offer a range of support to local community groups. This differs for each Hub depending on the priorities for the area but can include providing resources, training and small amounts of funding. They also offer 1-1 bespoke support such as project development support and identifying appropriate sources of funding.

Collaboration and partnership working were key ways Hubs discussed being able to increase their reach and to develop relationships locally. This can take place between Hubs but also with a wide range of stakeholders and groups locally, including third sector organisations and local community groups. Finally, the Hubs are involved in both regional and national policy making. They engage with local authorities, the development of Regional Adaptation Partnerships, attend local, regional and national policy forums and respond to a range of policy consultations.

Outputs

Outputs were identified for each outcome are in the theory of change. These focus on the immediate benefits that Hubs see as a result of their activities.

For outcomes around increased community level adaptation and mitigation action, outputs included things such as the participation and uptake of training and engagement opportunities as well as increased funding being accessed. Outputs around actions to influence and shape policy focused on increased awareness among communities and stakeholders of the ways they can be involved in policy making and an increase in the participation of Hubs at policy forums.

Outputs related to actions aimed at increasing the inclusion and equality of Hubs included increasing partnerships with third sector organisations, and resources and events being increasingly accessible, amongst others. When considering the Hubs collective voice, vision and action, outputs included Hubs delivering joint events, engaging a wide range of groups and strengthening local partnerships. Finally, in relation to scaling up action and economic sustainability outputs included cover aspects such as the Hubs gathering tangible evidence on the value and impacts of their actions, making evidence-based funding bids and creating resources to share their learning widely.

Hub-level outcomes

A range of outcomes were identified at the Hub level. These included outcomes related to increasing communities capacity, motivation and opportunities to act on climate change. In the medium term it is expected these will lead to communities taking increased action to mitigate or adapt to climate change.

Outcomes were also identified around increasing participation in, and eventually having stronger influence on, policy making at a local, regional and national level.

If the activities identified are delivered it is expected that the Hubs will increase opportunities for a wider group of people in communities to be involved in climate action. More opportunities will also be created for collaboration on climate action from a local to national level as a result of increased Hub level collaboration and better connections with local communities.

Finally, increased levels of funding will be secured which will lead to outcomes around community climate action being able to continue without additional demand on Hubs.

Network Level Outcomes

A range of longer term, network level outcomes were identified. These are as follows:

• Outcome 1: Community-level action across Scotland contributes to building Scotland's climate resilience
• Outcome 2: Community-level action across Scotland contributes to reducing Scottish GHG emissions
• Outcome 3: Communities are shaping policy that promotes adaptation to and mitigation of climate change
• Outcome 4: Community-level climate action is equitable and inclusive
• Outcome 5: Hubs bring people and organisations acting on climate change together across Scotland, to strengthen the collective voice and take action towards a shared vision
• Outcome 6: Local innovations have the potential to be scaled-up or replicated to provide more widespread climate benefits

Vision

The overall Hub vision which the ToC outlines steps towards is that: a network of

climate action Hubs will provide a vehicle for communities to come together and engage in collective climate action, supporting the just transition to net zero and climate resilient living, and driving wider change.

This vision was felt to be a long term ambition. The shorter term Hub-level and Hub network outcomes were discussed as being crucial to enabling this longer term vision to be achieved.

Assumptions

A range of assumptions were identified which need to be in place for the outputs and outcomes to be achieved, and for Hub activities to be delivered as planned. These included the appropriate infrastructure being in place, place-based principles being embedded in Hubs design and delivery, the willingness of communities to participate in Hub activities as well as the necessary resource and governance being in place.