Climate Action Hubs programme: evaluation

5. Outcomes and impact

Key points:

• Evidence indicates that Hubs have had a positive impact on community‑level climate action, contributing to improved awareness and understanding of climate change and strengthened climate resilience within communities.
• Hubs have enabled communities to influence policy, supporting consultation responses, building confidence to engage decision‑makers, and acting as trusted intermediaries between communities and public bodies.
• The programme has broadened equity and inclusion in climate action, with Hubs removing access barriers, targeting underrepresented groups and adapting communication and delivery to widen participation.
• Hubs have strengthened collaboration and networks, connecting community groups, public bodies and partners, fostering shared learning and supporting joint climate action.
• There is emerging evidence that local innovations are being scaled or replicated, supported by additional funding secured, shared practice across the network, and improving monitoring and evaluation.
• Participants report that Hubs are likely to have a lasting legacy, through strengthened networks, improved skills, increased confidence and embedded community‑led practices, though long‑term sustainability still depends on continued resourcing.
• The programme generates wider secondary benefits, including improved wellbeing, reduced social isolation, cost savings for households, and new green job opportunities.

This chapter presents findings from the impact evaluation of the Climate Action Hubs programme. It presents evidence on the extent to which the Hubs have contributed to the achievement of the programme’s six overarching outcomes:

1. Community-level action across Scotland contributes to building Scotland's climate resilience

2. Community-level action across Scotland contributes to reducing Scottish greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions

3. Communities are shaping policy that promotes adaptation to and mitigation of climate change

4. Community-level climate action is equitable and inclusive

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

6. Local innovations have the potential to be scaled-up or replicated to provide more widespread climate benefits

5.1: Community-level action across Scotland contributes to building Scotland's climate resilience and reducing greenhouse gas emissions^[6]

Evidence collected through the evaluation indicates that Climate Action Hubs have contributed to building Scotland’s climate resilience and reducing emissions through community-level action. Key themes in this section include Hubs’ contribution to improved awareness and understanding of climate change and strengthened climate resilience within communities.

Improved awareness and understanding of climate change and local climate risks

Evaluation data from a range of sources, including survey responses, interviews with staff and community members and Hub monitoring reports, indicates that the Hubs have helped increase awareness and understanding of climate change and local climate risks.

Table 5.1 shows that 88% of survey respondents agreed or strongly agreed that Hubs have helped bring more attention to local climate change issues and risks. Agreement levels were high across all respondent types.

Table 5.1: The Hub has helped bring more attention to local climate change issues and risks

Respondent type	Strongly agree	Agree	Neither agree nor disagree	Disagree	Strongly disagree
All respondents (n=172)	50%	38%	8%	2%	2%
Hub lead organisation staff or board member (n=18)	50%	33%	6%	6%	6%
Hub volunteer (n=8)	63%	13%	13%	0	13%
Community member involved in a project/event (including seed fund recipients) (n=100)	47%	41%	9%	1%	2%
Representative of a partner organisation (n=51)	57%	37%	4%	2%	0
Other (n=7)	14%	57%	14%	0	14%

Several Hubs shared positive feedback from post-event surveys, with high percentages of attendees reporting that their knowledge of climate change had increased as a result of attending Hub events. For example, in Glasgow, more than 90% of event attendees at a session run by one of the Hub’s partner organisations reported that they had learned something new and felt more empowered and confident to take action on climate change following the event.

These findings were also reflected in qualitative data; interviewees broadly agreed that Hub events, communications, workshops and training have had a positive impact on awareness of climate change issues. Some stakeholders described improvements in climate literacy among Hub audiences. Others reflected on how Hubs have helped people to develop a clearer understanding of how climate change affects them locally, particularly in relation to flooding, heat, coastal erosion and food systems. For example, the East Dunbartonshire Hub described increased understanding among local residents on how climate change impacts can disrupt daily life, through issues such as flooded roads.

“Remember that time you couldn’t get out of [village] for a week and a half because it was flooded… it’s like, ‘oh, I didn’t think that was climate action.’” (Hub staff)

Some evaluation participants described increased understanding and awareness of climate change as an important first step in taking climate action.

“The Hub has helped communities better understand how climate change is impacting on their lives and their roles in finding and implementing solutions to adaptation and building resilience.” (Community member)

Interviewees recognised the important role that Hubs have played in delivering outreach activities which engage communities in climate action, noting that the same level of engagement would not have been possible without the Hubs. Specifically, interviewees discussed the valuable knowledge and additional resource the Hubs had offered in progressing activities.

“I don't think that we would have been able to attract as many community members to get them involved and to engage them if it wasn't for the support from the Hub. We wouldn't have had the means that they offered and the knowledge either. And we would have not known how to approach community members to get them involved.” (Community member)

Strengthened climate resilience

Hub activity has enabled communities to take practical steps to strengthen climate resilience and embed local climate adaptation measures. Data from interviews, survey responses and monitoring reports provides evidence of new or expanded adaptation and resilience activity delivered or supported by the Hubs, including local flood resilience, nature-based solutions and coastal adaptation measures.

“I think the Climate Hub has done tremendously impactful work by funding projects that support communities with their climate goals. There has been such a wide variety of projects funded, allowing the public to engage with climate adaptation working on projects that are most relevant to their communities.” (Community member)

For example, the Highlands and Islands Hub supported the NICE Nairn Development Trust to develop a community consultation on coastal erosion into a tangible climate adaptation project. The Hub linked the group with flooding and coastal erosion expertise and helped secure access to a grant from the Community Led Local Development Fund. The funding enabled volunteer-led planting of marram grass along the dune system, which acts as a natural buffer against storm impacts and coastal flooding.

A few Hubs were described as having strengthened local preparedness for flooding and extreme weather. For example, the Fife Hub organised a multi-agency flood-focused event which resulted in greater understanding and agency about flood risks; community members were described as feeling less scared about floods and more able to engage with adaptation and resilience solutions following the event.

“We had the flood event that brought together 40 community groups and individuals from across Fife to talk about floods. And there was a panel of different people, there was the council, SEPA^[7], TSI, and a range of specialists in the field. And the connection in that room was really, really palpable… straight away, people felt less scared about floods. They felt empowered to take action and people were connecting about how to make actual change for policy leaders.” (Hub delivery partner)

Small grants were viewed as having a particularly strong impact in this area, funding activity which has supported nature restoration, local food growing, and other place-based projects that strengthen local climate resilience. For example, small grants offered by the Moray Hub have financed the installation of roadside ‘ladders’ to stop toads from falling down drains, supporting climate adaptation by helping wildlife cope with heavier rainfall and strengthening local ecological resilience.

Small grants have also provided resources which have enabled communities to gather insight into planning for climate adaptation responses. For example, the Dundee Hub funded a project which involved using Geographic Information Systems and a drone to explore the impact of local flooding and rising coastal risks.

Hubs have also contributed to enhanced capacity for local food production by funding growing initiatives such as community gardens and allotments, supplies, equipment and workshops. For example, microgrants have funded seeds, bulbs, soil, polytunnels^[8] and training on food growing.

“We have a massive groundswell of community climate action groups around here… I have to say the seed fund that comes along with the Climate Hub has been transformational... there was just this wave of action and activity just waiting... And they just didn't have that little first step on the ladder. They were just waiting.” (Hub staff)

Contribution to climate change mitigation

While measurement of the programme’s contribution to greenhouse gas emissions changes was not feasible within the scope of this evaluation, qualitative data indicates that Hubs are supporting climate change mitigation by enabling conditions for emissions reduction. For example, interviewees provided examples of Hubs influencing behaviour change in areas such as home energy, travel, food and waste.

“These projects have allowed communities to think about behavioural change and how they will engage with the climate crisis.” (Community member)

Hubs have also delivered a wide range of projects that contribute to climate change mitigation directly, including sustainable travel initiatives. For example, the Outer Hebrides Hub has played a direct role in the development of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure on the islands, by identifying viable local opportunities and connecting community organisations to relevant funding and support mechanisms.

Evidence also suggests the Hubs play a direct role in contributing to increased participation and uptake of additional support for members through proactive signposting to opportunities. One Hub network member described how Hub staff proactively encouraged them to engage with a public EV charging funding programme led by Home Energy Scotland, which resulted in new EV charging ports being installed outside their business premises.

“If they notice some sort of funding to help you pay for capital expenditure for something, they're really proactive in getting in touch and saying, ‘you're a prime candidate for this’.” (Hub network member)

Hubs were also described as having contributed to an increase in the availability of active travel provision in their communities. For example, the Lanarkshire Hub has improved local access to bicycles, particularly in lower-income areas.

“The most successful [project] was a group that we worked with in Hill House in Hamilton, which is an area of very high deprivation. There's absolutely no provision for cycling at all. Kids were really wanting to cycle, but the lack of access to a bike was a problem. I spoke to the group and encouraged them to apply for the grant and to have Gear Up from Lanark out to do an active travel event in the community… the day itself was a huge success, about 14 or 15 kids got their bikes repaired.” (Hub staff)

Further, Hub activity has contributed to increased circular economy behaviours by delivering reuse and repair initiatives such as clothing and toy reuse, mending sessions, recycled materials workshops and community repair activities. These interventions have helped normalise repairing and reusing everyday items, extending product lifespans and reducing demand for new, resource‑intensive goods. For example, in Glasgow, a partner organisation reported an increase in the uptake of reusable nappies following the provision of cloth nappy hire kits, information sessions and donated reusable nappies.

“There’s definitely more of an uptake in the general idea of green parenting and circular economy.” (Hub delivery partner)

Hubs have also led nature-based solutions to climate change mitigation. For example, a number of Hubs have funded tree planting initiatives, which can help to offset carbon emissions via carbon sequestration. One example of this is the Forth Valley Hub’s ‘Trees for Goals’ project, where a tree is planted for every goal that local football clubs score. In 2024-25, the project planted 2,000 trees. Nature-based solutions, such as this example, often also contribute to climate change adaptation outcomes.

Small grants awarded by Hubs have given local groups and community members access to essential equipment required to undertake climate change mitigation activities. For example, a member of the Outer Hebrides Hub accessed small grants on two occasions; the first award supported the development of virtual reality music lessons, allowing tutors and students to connect remotely, reducing travel mileage across the islands and cutting transport-related emissions associated with in‑person teaching. The second grant enabled a fully solar‑powered concert, demonstrating that live music events can be delivered using renewable energy and reducing reliance on fossil-fuel-generated electricity while promoting low‑carbon options.

Further examples include:

• The owner of a social enterprise in the Outer Hebrides used a small grant to purchase a plastic identification machine that has substantially increased the speed and accuracy of the process of sorting waste plastic, reducing human error and making it more efficient to divert large volumes of plastic from landfill and keep it in productive reuse and recycling streams.
• A community organisation in Fife received £1,750 to purchase a tumbler composter, riddle and wheelbarrow, which has increased local composting capacity, diverting food waste and paper towels from landfill.
• The East Lothian Hub facilitated community access to thermal imaging cameras and software by securing funding and making the equipment available to community organisations, enabling volunteer‑led home heat surveys to take place. Evidence suggests this has helped households better understand patterns of heat loss and has the potential to contribute to climate change mitigation by informing energy‑efficiency improvements and reducing avoidable energy use.

“Small grants make a huge difference. Our Community Heat Team would not be able to operate without access to the necessary thermal image software.” (Community member)

Challenges

Some Hub staff described adaptation and mitigation focused activities as more challenging to deliver than education or awareness-raising projects as they require specialist tools and resources, technical expertise and longer timeframes to deliver. Such initiatives also present more difficulties in demonstrating impact due to the complex nature of measuring and attributing emissions change.

5.2: Communities are shaping policy that promotes adaptation to and mitigation of climate change

Evaluation evidence drawn from interviews, monitoring reports and survey data suggests that Hub activity has contributed to making communities more empowered and resourced to influence climate policy. Common themes within the data included increased awareness of, and participation in, climate policy processes among community members.

Increased awareness and understanding of climate policy making among communities

Evidence from surveys and interviews indicates that Hub activity has improved communities’ awareness and understanding of climate policy, including where and how decisions are made locally and nationally. Interviewees described how Hubs have introduced community members to policy making processes and opportunities which they would otherwise not have known about. A few also felt that Hubs’ input has made policy making processes less daunting and more accessible, leading communities to feel more empowered to participate.

“I recently completed an email to MSPs to consider how farming budgets are being spent, asking them to reconsider funding priorities - this was sent out by RenCan Hub so I think they are getting local people more informed and political in influencing government policy.” (Community member)

These findings are also reflected in survey data; Table 5.2 shows that 68% of survey respondents agreed that Hubs have provided opportunities for communities to engage in influencing policy and decision-making. Hub staff members (78%) and volunteers (75%) were slightly more likely than community members (70%) and partner organisations (60%) to agree with this.

Table 5.2: The Hub has provided opportunities for communities to engage in influencing policy and decision-making

Respondent type	Strongly agree	Agree	Neither agree nor disagree	Disagree	Strongly disagree
All respondents (n=172)	38%	30%	22%	5%	4%
Hub lead organisation staff or board member (n=18)	28%	50%	11%	6%	6%
Hub volunteer (n=8)	75%	0	13%	0	13%
Community member involved in a project/event (including seed fund recipients) (n=99)	42%	28%	19%	5%	5%
Representative of a partner organisation (n=52)	33%	27%	33%	8%	0
Other (n=7)	0	43%	43%	0	14%

Increased community participation in policy making processes

As well as increased understanding and awareness of climate policy processes, evaluation data indicates that Hubs have also contributed to increased community participation in policy making processes. Stakeholders reflected on the importance of Hubs bringing local people and organisations together to discuss the climate risks facing an area, formulate potential solutions and communicate these to policy makers.

“The Moray climate conference and the Moray area-wide strategy workshop enabled folks to connect and learn from each other as well as influence climate action plans for Moray.” (Community member)

Table 5.3 indicates that 84% of survey respondents agreed or strongly agree that the Hubs are an effective champion for local communities’ needs with respect to climate change, with high agreement levels across all respondent types.

Table 5.3: The Hub is an effective champion for local communities’ needs with respect to climate change

Respondent type	Strongly agree	Agree	Neither agree nor disagree	Disagree	Strongly disagree
All respondents (n=172)	54%	30%	9%	2%	5%
Hub lead organisation staff or board member (n=18)	72%	17%	0	6%	6%
Hub volunteer (n=8)	50%	25%	13%	0	13%
Community member involved in a project/event (including seed fund recipients) (n=99)	51%	33%	10%	1%	5%
Representative of a partner organisation (n=52)	54%	31%	12%	2%	2%
Other (n=7)	29%	57%	0	0	14%

Interviewees felt that, as a trusted local organisation, Hubs have been able to engage local people in ways that other organisations have found challenging. Interviewees also suggested that Hubs’ status as a trusted local partner focused on climate change issues enables them to lead convening action to identify and address local climate change priorities.

“The Hubs have been able to do that convening and say, right, everybody with an interest and with money and with assets who live here, let's get together and stitch a solution together.” (National stakeholder)

Stakeholders also described instances where Hub capacity has helped unlock collective policy engagement that would likely not have happened otherwise. For example, the formation of East Lothian’s Policy Circle was reported to have enabled coordination of policy responses and proposals where individual local groups previously lacked the time and resources to do so.

Hubs have also improved community access to elected representatives; for example, the East Lothian Hub arranged a meeting between 12 Hub members and MSP Paul McLennan to raise questions and discuss priorities relating to climate and nature.

“We have helped mediate conversations between MSPs and local decision makers to raise concerns with National and Regional climate policy.” (Hub staff)

Hubs have also seen some success in climate-related advocacy and campaigning; for example, the Lanarkshire Hub contributed to a successful campaign which resulted in South Lanarkshire Council declaring a climate emergency.

“We worked with one of our local councillors who put a motion forward for South Lanarkshire Council to declare a climate emergency. And we've been sharing that through all our channels to encourage community groups to share their support as well for this motion. And thankfully it was passed, and all councillors supported the motion, which is really, really positive.” (Hub staff)

Another impact the Hubs have had in this area is enhancing the evidence base available for climate policy makers. A number of Hubs have delivered initiatives which collate and communicate lived experiences of local climate impacts. For example, the Outer Hebrides has produced a ‘Story Map’: an online resource that gathers and showcases lived experiences, photographs and observations of climate change from across the islands. The Story Map uses real-life stories and images of climate impacts such as coastal erosion and flooding as both a public archive and a practical tool for planning adaptation responses. The Story Map is helping public bodies to identify priority areas for adaptation measures through community engagement work that they do not have the resources or connections to deliver themselves.

“The public bodies by themselves could not do what the Hub is doing. We just don't have the resources to do it. And the information that the Hub is gathering is so important for that bigger picture and that long-term planning that we need to do in the islands.” (Hub network member)

Further detail on the Outer Hebrides Hub’s Story Map project is included in a case study in Annex 1.

Another example of Hubs contributing to an enhanced evidence base is in Southeast Scotland, where six Hubs recruited over 1,000 local people to share experiences of climate impacts. Findings from this exercise have fed into local authorities’ climate resilience investment planning (e.g. sea walls and flood prevention schemes).

Challenges in influencing policy

Some interviewees recognised challenges in influencing climate policy. Establishing relationships with decision makers can be a lengthy process, and public bodies may lack time and resources to engage with Hubs. One Hub said their charitable status and governance model emphasised their apolitical nature; they felt this caused a barrier to influencing policy.

While there is some evidence of increased community awareness and participation in policy making processes as a result of Hub activity, it is not possible to gauge the extent to which this contribution has influenced climate policies and decision making at a local or national level. However, data suggests that the Hubs have increased the evidence available for policy makers, and played an important role in facilitating and coordinating community participation in climate policy making.

5.3 Community-level climate action is equitable and inclusive

Multiple sources of evaluation data, including survey data and qualitative insight from interviews, indicate that Hubs are making climate action more equitable, accessible and inclusive. Hubs have widened access and enabled people of diverse backgrounds, experiences and identities to meaningfully engage in climate action by:

• targeting groups who have historically been underrepresented in climate action
• removing physical and financial access barriers
• adapting communication, resources and delivery formats to encourage more diverse engagement

As noted in Table 5.4, three quarters (75%) of survey respondents agreed or strongly agreed that the Hubs have contributed to making climate action more equitable, diverse and inclusive.

Table 5.4: The Hub has contributed to making climate action more equitable, diverse, and inclusive

Respondent type	Strongly agree	Agree	Neither agree nor disagree	Disagree	Strongly disagree
All respondents (n=175)	45%	30%	18%	4%	3%
Hub lead organisation staff or board member (n=18)	61%	17%	11%	6%	6%
Hub volunteer (n=8)	75%	0	13%	0	13%
Community member involved in a project/event (including seed fund recipients) (n=102)	41%	36%	15%	5%	3%
Representative of a partner organisation (n=52)	42%	33%	23%	2%	0
Other (n=7)	14%	29%	43%	0	14%

Increased engagement with underrepresented groups

Multiple sources show evidence of Hubs making climate action more inclusive by increasing engagement with communities who are often unrepresented in environmental initiatives. Many Hubs have successfully built relationships with representative groups and organisations, providing seldom heard voices with a route to participation in climate action and increasing the diversity of their membership and audiences. This includes work with local youth groups, charities supporting people with disabilities, and organisations who provide support to refugees and asylum seekers. Evidence from interviews highlights that the Hubs have played a key role in driving forward these actions to involve a diverse range of groups in climate action.

“They’ve [Hub] basically gone out themselves and found these groups…they’re probably engaged with most, a large number of groups. Things like social inclusion groups, health recovery groups, mental health, charities, addiction, anxiety groups”. (Community member)

The following sub-sections provide examples of how Hubs have made climate action more inclusive by engaging with underrepresented groups.

Ethnic minority communities

Hubs have increased participation in climate action from ethnic minority communities and people seeking asylum, bringing new voices and lived experience into local climate conversations. Working with representative groups such as Equality Councils and Forums, Hubs have hosted diverse discussion and learning spaces where participants can connect local climate priorities with experiences of climate impacts in other countries and contexts. For example, a community member from East Lothian described a session that brought together church groups and international students to explore how climate change affects their countries of origin.

Culturally sensitive facilitation has been utilised by Hubs to provide meaningful and trusted pathways to engagement with climate action, often involving delivery by speakers and facilitators from diverse backgrounds. For example, one of the Glasgow Hub’s delivery partners Parents For Future Scotland used Hub support to engage over 130 women from refugee and ethnic minority backgrounds in a series of climate conversations and wellbeing workshops. Participants learned about climate impacts and developed confidence to share personal stories of floods, deforestation, or conflict in their countries of origin.

“The amount of outreach that we've managed to do in Glasgow, the amount of connections that we've managed to make with different organisations across the city, and the amount of education and empowerment... there are literally hundreds of refugee and asylum seeking women that would not have had climate education had it not been for this.” (Hub parter organisation)

Hubs also reported hosting projects which have helped asylum seekers and refugees to build climate-related or circular skills.

“Classes and upskilling such as bike maintenance and 'learn to sew' are a few examples of imparting skills to refugees and other local minority groups.” (Hub staff)

People with disabilities and health conditions

Hubs have broadened climate action participation for those with disabilities and health conditions, increasing their representation within local climate activity. Several interviewees described how Hubs have partnered with local charities and groups to deliver bespoke activities and events for people with additional support needs, mental health conditions and physical disabilities. For example, the Midlothian Climate Hub has worked with local charity Forward Mid to identify ways where disabled people currently feel unable to engage in climate action. These discussions have fed into the drafting of an informational resource about increasing the accessibility of community gardens.

Other Hubs have created opportunities for young people with autism to participate in climate action; for example, the East Dunbartonshire Hub has worked with local charity Creatovators to create volunteering opportunities for autistic young people.

Intergenerational climate action

Hubs activity has increased the involvement of children and young people in local climate action. Examples such as Dundee’s Youth Climate Action Fund microgrants, and the Scottish Borders youth climate action film illustrate how Hub-connected activity has helped to ensure that climate action is more representative of younger audiences. Further, both Angus and Lanarkshire Hubs are working with local young carers centres, providing local young people with caring responsibilities with climate-related training and volunteering opportunities. The Renfrewshire (RenCan) Hub has increased youth participation through co-designing and offering support to young people running climate related workshops. Participants discussed the fact that they felt this work would not have been possible without the role the Hubs played in facilitating action.

“So we ran an event in June and some of the event was run by young people. And two of the workshops were co-designed with partners and one was run by young people. So there were three workshops they ran at the event. One was co-designed with Ren Can Hub… But they didn't believe that they could do that event and they did it. They couldn't have done it without the RenCan Hub for many reasons.” (Community member)

Climate Hubs have also contributed to an increase in older people’s participation in climate action. Evidence from evaluation highlights increased involvement from older residents, strengthening the presence of older people in climate discussions and community action. For example, in Glasgow, Hub partners are working with elderly groups, with one commenting that climate change is now being raised organically in their regular activities, where previously it was rarely discussed. This indicates a rise in climate literacy and confidence at a community level. The Fife Climate Hub (FCCAN) has removed a physical barrier for older participants, which has resulted in more of them being able to participate in climate action.

“Our river monitoring project is working more effectively. Small things like some of our river samplers are older and so they can't stand for two hours over the tub counting all the invertebrates. So they all have seats now that are collapsible stools, so now more of them come.” (Community member)

Low income households

Evaluation data also indicates that Climate Hubs have expanded participation among low-income households and people experiencing poverty. Hubs have helped to ensure that participation in local and national consultations is more equitable, with engagement taking place in communities less likely to be reached through standard consultation approaches. For example, the East Dunbartonshire Hub described helping to influencing councils to move consultations from affluent areas into areas of deprivation to improve equality of participation.

“What we noticed was that most of the consultations were held in areas of affluence… what we've done, the influence that we've had, is to say move these consultations into areas of deprivation too, so that there's an equality about the whole thing itself.” (Hub staff)

Other underrepresented groups

Other examples of Hubs increasing representation of groups often excluded from climate action include:

• The Dumfries & Galloway Hub has launched a partnership with HMP Dumfries, which includes Dumfries & Galloway Swifts Group and Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere. This project which involves individuals in the prison system making nesting boxes for swifts, both engaging an underrepresented group in climate issues and supporting the Scottish Government's aim to protect and restore the swift population in Scotland.
• The East Renfrewshire Hub has worked with Faith Forum, increasing awareness of the Hub and support available to faith-based minorities within the community. The Outer Hebrides Hub has also worked with faith based groups, supporting the organisation and delivery of the Interfaith Conference on Climate Change. This resulted in 8 attendees joining the Hub Network, representing a variety of different faith groups.
• The Inverclyde Hub has worked with an LGBTQ+ charity, delivering a workshop which raised awareness of the role of the Hub and the potential for future collaborations within that audience. The Forth Valley Hub has also worked with the LGBTQ+ community. By regularly attending the Grangemouth Queer Breakfast Club they have built up trust and awareness of the Hub as a safe point of contact.

Access barriers removed

Monitoring data and interviews with multiple stakeholders provide examples of Hubs removing access barriers that prevent underrepresented communities from engaging in climate action. For example, Hubs have offered free resources and activities and financial support, reducing cost barriers that prevent low income communities from participating in climate action. This targeted investment has widened access and empowered these groups to participate meaningfully in climate action, providing opportunities that may otherwise have been out of reach.

“Often, people from underrepresented areas have financial hardship. They just don't have space to set something up, but they might want to come. So this is why we do a lot of those [free] activities… You empower them, but not in a way that they have to come up with a whole new programme.” (Hub staff)

Hubs have used microgrants, practical assistance and flexible funding approaches to overcome cost‑related barriers. Initiatives include supporting community transport, meeting people in their own neighbourhoods to remove travel costs and funding specific activities that enable participation. For instance:

• Outer Hebrides supported NeuroHebrides, an organisation that assists vulnerable people with neurological conditions, by funding a disability‑friendly minibus for their group to visit coastal areas affected by climate change. This provided local residents facing mobility or health barriers an opportunity to safely take part in climate conversations and solutions.
• Dundee Changemakers provided a microgrant to Hillcrest Futures to create a community orchard, supporting people facing employment barriers due to mental health, caring responsibilities or disabilities.
• Many Hubs meet people and groups in their own communities to get rid of transport costs or other costs that can act as a barrier to participation.

Some Hubs have also embedded equity more deeply in their funding processes. Inverclyde’s application forms require projects to demonstrate benefits for underrepresented groups, while the Fife Hub reduced administrative hurdles by offering hands-on support with applications. More widely, Hubs have widened eligibility for their microgrants and made applications a short, straightforward process. Many seed fund recipients described application processes as quick and simple, with support available from Hubs where needed.

“It was very straightforward, just a wee one side of A4 describing what you would use your funding for and how it would help. Just like a wee chat rather than quite intensive questions and terminology that other folk ask for, stuff that I struggle with.” (Seed fund recipient)

The Scottish Borders Hub reported having helped remove physical access barriers by supporting the implementation of local off-road wheelchairs, improving opportunities for those with mobility issues to be able to engage with nature and climate activity.

Examples of steps taken to make climate action more accessible for parents and families were also discussed. For example, Renfrewshire Climate Action Network (RenCAN) offered child-friendly Nature Play activities in parallel to events provided to enable parents to participate, and the Glasgow Hub hosted two pop-up events centred around green parenting, specifically cloth nappies.

Hubs are also making climate action more accessible and inclusive by removing geographic barriers. For example, many deliver training, workshops or host events both in person and online. These were discussed as leading to increased numbers of participants being able to attend events. This was noted as being especially significant in more rural Hub areas.

“They have their conference in Stornoway every year. We did a live streaming of the event in Benbecula so that people were able to people were able to come that wouldn't have… travel wasn’t a barrier for people to attend.” (Hub network member)

In addition, Hubs have been sensitive to work, home, study commitments and offer a variety of options for people to participate with climate related events, such as lunchtime, evening, and weekend sessions. Evaluation participants discussed the direct impact this had on people’s ability to take part in engagement sessions and events.

“They do a day one and an evening one each month. So that's flexible for folk who have different working shifts and different working patterns. So it's very handy to be able to maybe do a day one if you're on your day off, or catch the evening one after work.” (Hub network member)

The impact of Hubs’ efforts to remove access barriers are reflected in the 2025-26 monitoring data, with 91% of participants who attended events in Argyll and Bute reporting that they found them to be accessible and were able to participate fully. For Dumfries and Galloway, Dundee, Fife, Glasgow, Lanarkshire, and the Outer Hebrides this was 100%. This data does not, however, represent those who might have been unable to attend Hub events.

Inclusive and accessible engagement and communication

Data from interviews offers insight into how Hubs widen access to climate action through accessible engagement and communication. For example, evidence of Hubs using both digital and media channels as a tool to engage and communicate with a wider audience was identified. Hubs use platforms such as Facebook and Instagram to post about projects, events, or climate action related content. Websites and newsletters are also frequently utilised by Hubs as a channel to communicate to their audience. Monitoring reports provided by Hubs show many have increased their audience size through these platforms, with new followers and newsletter sign ups each quarter. Sharing updates and information via these platforms has helped to increase awareness of Hub activity and drive sign-ups and attendance at events, training and funding opportunities.

“I follow them on their socials and I'll get the monthly e-mail update as well. And if there's any big information coming out, they'll send out specific special kind of e-mail lists to everybody on the list just to let them know what's going on.” (Community member)

Hubs have tailored their content to their communities, for example the Ayrshire Hub worked with contacts from each local authority and the NHS to understand what they needed before creating inclusive and accessible resources tailored to each audience. The Dundee Hub has developed educational resources to make community-led action more accessible and inclusive through sharing videos on their website and shorter versions for social media. In doing so, the Hub has made free, widely accessible content to teach and inspire people on how to make change in their own communities.

Another way Hubs have made climate action more inclusive is through the provision of content in different languages; for example, some offer resources in a range of languages, or have invested in translation tools for their websites.

Further, one of the Glasgow Hub’s delivery partners, Awaz FM, is a community radio station with programmes in Urdu, Punjabi and Bengali. The Hub funds four monthly radio shows on topics like recycling, energy saving, food waste, and sustainable transport, featuring interviews with partner organisations and other guests. The programmes have brought in callers from South Asian communities who had never before engaged in environmental discussions, sparking follow-up questions and requests for in-person workshops on topics like home energy and recycling. Further information on Awaz FM is included in a case study about the Glasgow Climate Action Hub in Annex 1.

Some Hubs have sought to make climate action more accessible and approachable through avoiding the use of “climate language”, instead adopting other relatable or practical themes to engage with community members or groups about climate action.

Efforts to make climate action more accessible to audiences with little or no experience of engaging with climate action include starting conversations around daily life and linking these to environmental considerations. For example, using theme of ‘saving money’ to explore cover how insulating homes and reducing food waste can reduce costs, while also lowering carbon emissions. Evidence suggests these approaches have encouraged people who have not tended to be as engaged in climate action to participate in climate action.

“We had a woman who started under the guise of fashion rather than upcycling, but a sewing group for women, young women who were interested in making their own clothes. But like I say, more through the lens of uniqueness in fashion than through climate change. So it sort of attracts a different group of people.” (Hub staff)

“The climate officer's approach is very inclusive and makes sure that key terminologies used in climate-related topics are redefined, which opens a space for people who have not attended events before.” (Community member)

Hubs have also invested in accessible communications and training, which has made engagement more inclusive. For example, the East Renfrewshire Hub used British Sign Language training and mixed format materials to support the inclusion of people with hearing impairments.

A few Hubs noted that staff had participated in CEMVO anti-racism and inclusion training, which had helped to develop skills and awareness to deliver more inclusive and impactful support. This has started conversations within some Hubs around the importance of diversifying the environmental sector, and discussing ways to increase inclusivity when hosting events.

Challenges

While the evaluation has gathered numerous examples of good practice among Hubs and clear evidence of small‑scale, localised impact, participants also expressed that the overall picture of climate activity in Scotland still lacks the level of diversity needed for long‑term, systemic change.

Several participants reflected that, despite the positive steps taken, Scotland’s climate movement continues to be shaped predominantly by those already engaged or already resourced to participate, with some groups still underrepresented at a national level.

“People who are older, white and middle class are over-represented in the 'organised' climate movement as a whole… A broad movement needs to have more younger people, 'global majority' / ‘ethnic minority’ / global South heritage people, unemployed and low-pay and poor people. The Hub is aware of this but like all the rest of us, hasn't 'cracked' it yet.” (Hub staff)

5.4: Hubs bring people and organisations acting on climate change together across Scotland, to strengthen the collective voice and take action towards a shared vision

Monitoring data and qualitative interviews highlighted a range of successful partnerships formed by Hubs to unite individuals and organisations in addressing climate change across Scotland. Hubs have established collaborations with a range of organisations including community groups, other climate initiatives, public sector bodies, charities and businesses. Multiple sources of evidence demonstrate that in many cases, the Hubs have acted as a conduit, convening organisations and partners to deliver collective action on climate change.

“You see conversations happening in spaces that wouldn't have happened, these people would not have met, were it not for us making this connection, introducing these people to each other, facilitating this space.” (Hub staff)

Table 5.5 shows that 87% of survey respondents agreed or strongly agreed that Hubs have helped bring people together locally to act on climate change. Agreement levels were high across all respondent types.

Table 5.5: The Hub has helped bring people together locally to act on climate change

Respondent type	Strongly agree	Agree	Neither agree nor disagree	Disagree	Strongly disagree
All respondents (n=175)	60%	27%	7%	3%	3%
Hub lead organisation staff or board member (n=18)	78%	11%	0	6%	6%
Hub volunteer (n=8)	75%	13%	0	0	13%
Community member involved in a project/event (including seed fund recipients) (n=102)	57%	31%	6%	3%	3%
Representative of a partner organisation (n=52)	62%	25%	12%	2%	0
Other (n=7)	29%	43%	14%	0	14%

More joined up climate action

One of the most impactful areas of the Hubs’ work highlighted throughout the evaluation was the Hubs’ success in convening siloed groups and organisations to deliver more joined up approaches to climate action. Stakeholders described how Hubs have facilitated networks of local groups to foster links and relationships to support collaborative action now or in the future.

Respondents commonly described the Hubs as successful in creating connections across previously fragmented local action, enabling more coordinated activity and clearer routes for communities to access support. This includes improved alignment across groups and, in some cases, closer working with local authorities and other funders.

Examples of collaborative action that had taken place due to relationships established through Hub-facilitated networking activity include:

• Establishment of a food growers’ collective and a biodiversity collective in East Lothian.
• A peer-to-peer learning webinar in Fife.
• Initiatives related to textile recycling in Western Isles.

“[The Hub has] made it possible for us to speak to people… I'm closely working with other people from the network now that I would never have worked with before.” (Community member)

“The most impactful activities of the Hub have been those that have brought together people/groups with a shared interest, providing mutual support and inspiration and initiating collective action that wouldn't have happened otherwise.” (Community member)

The value of sharing learning with other organisations they had connected with through the Hub was also described by interviewees.

“I do think for me the key is just to speak to people within the network who have been brought together by the Hub. They are going through the same thing. They are trying to do similar things, but they have the same challenges... I think that makes it really valuable because it does have a huge impact on the delivery of projects.” (Community member)

“There wasn't really a huge amount of knowledge sharing of what was going on throughout the [area], So I think the Hub was a really good way of coming together and having regular meetings, regular communication about what we're all up to.” (Community member)

New partnerships

Partnership-building was one of the most consistently reported impacts throughout the evaluation. Respondents described the Hubs as connectors that create opportunities for collaboration, mutual support, and joint delivery. The following sub-sections provide examples of the impact of partnerships that Hubs have formed across different sectors.

Community groups and local organisations

Hubs have established relationships with a diverse range of local community groups and organisations across various sectors including food, biodiversity, active travel, arts, and wellbeing. Based on 2025-26 monitoring data, Hubs collaborated with 652 community groups in total to deliver events or projects.

Some examples of these collaborations include:

• The East Renfrewshire Hub has broadened their engagement with the local community to reach groups not typically involved in climate activities, such as friendship groups, bowling clubs, and museums.
• Dundee Changemakers organised a city-wide visioning event, connecting various organisations, groups, and individuals, gathering their insights and ideas to create a collective vision for climate action, ensuring communities lead the city towards the future they desire. They have also partnered with individuals from the community, such as wellbeing specialists and herbalists, to co-deliver training and workshops.
• The Edinburgh Hub has teamed up with groups like Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations’ Council, Edinburgh Food Network, Edinburgh Creatives in Climate, the Melting Pot, and the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce to share knowledge, avoid duplication, and collaborate more effectively in responding to climate challenges. These partnerships led to joint projects, funding bids, and public campaigns.

Some felt that this increased collaboration across groups is leading to more connected, joined up climate action, which makes it easier for communities to understand local action and participate.

“Some significant successful partnerships have formed and exciting joint projects are being delivered. Our community is feeling like it's receiving more joined up working and clearer support for a range of climate issues.” (Hub staff)

Public sector partnerships

The evaluation identified examples of public sector partnerships across the Hubs, with several Hubs having established links with their local councils, enabling joint efforts in planning, funding, and delivering climate action projects. Partnerships with public sector bodies were described in some cases as being a positive way to enhance the legitimacy and trust of the Hubs work, and extend the Hub’s visibility to new audiences.

The Glasgow Hub established a productive ongoing partnership with the Glasgow City Council Sustainability team, who oversee environmental initiatives in the city. This has helped to coordinate roles so that the Hub and the Council can focus their strengths, rather than duplicating effort, while also strengthening the visibility of the Hub’s work.

Examples of Hubs fostering collaborations within the education system were also identified. For example, NESCAN continues to build its relationship with the University of Aberdeen Just Transition Lab, which brings together early career researchers from six leading universities, along with community organisations, businesses, local authorities, and governments across the UK, to understand how systems approaches can unlock and scale Net Zero solutions, break down barriers to action, and empower communities to take ownership of solutions.

Business and the private sector

Hubs reported more challenges in building relationships with businesses and the private sector than public or third sector, finding some businesses to be slower to respond or less aligned with community-led priorities. However, a few examples of new partnerships with businesses and the private sector driven by the Hubs were identified. For example, the Borders Hub partnered with the Circular Arts Network (CAN) and Creative Arts Business Network (CABN) to host an art materials swap, promoting a more circular approach to art and sustainability through helping to redistribute free art supplies and divert away from landfill.

The Moray Hub collaborated with Buckie Thistle Football Club to raise climate awareness through sport. They delivered Carbon Literacy training, helping players and staff identify practical ways to reduce emissions, and provided advice on a funding application. The Dundee Hub partnered with Abertay University and Apex Hotels, broadening its reach and connections to expand its network and raise awareness of the climate hub across new audiences.

5.5: Local innovations have the potential to be scaled-up or replicated to provide more widespread climate benefits

Monitoring data and interviews with Hub staff have presented early evidence of local innovations introduced by Hubs being scaled up or replicated in other areas or organisations. This has been achieved through:

• Hubs securing additional funding outwith the core Scottish Government offer.
• Hubs sharing learning and expertise with other Hubs, organisations and communities.
• Hubs using monitoring and evaluation to capture evidence of impact and demonstrate value.

Securing additional funding

Evidence drawn from internal Hub documentation and a range of stakeholder interviews indicates that some of the Hubs in the network have been successful in securing additional funding outwith the core Scottish Government offer.

Within quarterly reporting data, 16 Hubs reported success in securing additional funding for climate action from sources outwith the Scottish Government in the 2025-26 period so far. Hubs have secured funding of over £595,000 to support community climate action projects, including £350,000 from their relevant local authorities to distribute to community groups.

Other sources of additional funding included independent funders and grant making bodies, energy suppliers and transport bodies. Table 5.6 presents some examples of the value and sources of Hubs’ successful funding applications.

Table 5.6: Examples of additional funding secured by Hubs (2024-2026)

Hub	Funding secured	Source
East Lothian	£8,000	Scottish Power
Fife	£50,000	Fife Council
Highlands & Islands	£15,000	ACCESS Network[9]

The evaluation also identified examples of successful collaborative funding bids submitted jointly by multiple Hubs. In some cases, the shared input of multiple Hubs has been felt to have led to securing higher value funding and larger scale activities across a wide geographic region. For example, a cohort of five Hubs in the central belt^[10] were successful in an application for £500,000 of philanthropic funding from Foundation Scotland. The funding has enabled a wide range of Hub activity including climate-resilient planting, paint remanufacturing and transformation of a local community garden. Further, East Lothian, West Lothian and Midlothian submitted a successful joint funding bid and received £20,000 from Local Energy Scotland's Community Energy Generation Growth Fund.

A few Hubs have also generated income through entrepreneurial means; for example, Dundee has earned income via event ticket sales, and Argyll & Bute have has brought in revenue through a commission to deliver carbon literacy training to local authority staff. While this is not currently a major income stream, the Hub is currently exploring ways in which this can be scaled up further by, for instance, introducing and administering a mandatory qualification for council staff with associated fees.

Perth & Kinross Hub secured funding to scale their ‘Repair Fest’ activity from a single event to region-wide programme.

Impact of additional funding

Additional income secured has been used to fund a broad range of activity. Some Hubs have used the additional income to increase Hub capacity or enhance existing Hub delivery, such as investing in training and upskilling staff and community members, funding additional staff hours or increasing the size of their seed funding offer. For example, £50,000 of local authority funding awarded to Fife’s Hub increased their existing pot of funding available for community groups from £20,000 to £70,000. This enabled the Hub to fund 38 projects across a diverse range of community-led projects, including climate adaptation, emissions mitigation, and biodiversity enhancement.

Other Hubs have used external funding to launch new climate-related initiatives. For example, the Angus Hub has attracted funding from Angus Rural Partnership and the Royal Society of Edinburgh for local tree-planting and woodland restoration projects to improve soil quality and increase biodiversity, resilience, and stability of the local woodlands.

Challenges in accessing additional funding

While some progress has been made to secure external funding, there are many barriers that Hubs face in accessing new income streams. A few felt that capacity constraints limited their ability to source and apply for additional funding, while others described experiences of unsuccessful funding applications, highlighting the highly competitive nature of the funding schemes available to them. A few felt that the Hub’s role as a facilitator and capacity builder rather than a delivery focused organisation made it more difficult to secure external funding.

“I think the reality of it is we're not frontline enough, and that’s the feedback we're getting from discussions [with funders]; ‘yeah, guys, we like what you do, but you're that one step removed from the front line and we really, have to focus on the front line.’” (Hub staff)

Long-term funding was seen as a particularly challenging prospect; a few Hubs had been successful in securing funding for the first stage of a project, for example scoping or feasibility work, but had been unsuccessful in attempts to secure a higher level of funding for the next phase of delivery.

Sharing learning between Hubs

Monitoring reports and interview data shared insight on how Hub’s learning and good practice have been shared with other Hubs, communities and organisations, for example through community road shows, AGMs, workshops and events. These events have been used to present learnings, share resources, and discuss climate issues with both existing and new audiences.

Informal knowledge exchange was also discussed, including examples of Hub staff seeking advice from their counterparts in other areas. For example, East Lothian’s 2023/24 end-of-grant report mentions drawing on the experience of other Hubs to inform the development of their grants system.

In addition, a number of Hubs have developed (or are in the process of developing) resources and toolkits to cascade learning and support others to implement innovative climate-related activity. For example, NESCAN’s 2022/23 end of year report explains how the Hub helped to co-create (with Adaptation Scotland, Scottish Communities Climate Action Network (SCCAN), Development Trusts Association Scotland (DTAS) and the North Highlands & Islands Regional Hub) a ‘Communities Climate Adaptation Routemap’, with over 50 hyperlinks to guide communities on their journey from gaining understanding of climate change through to taking action.

Hub staff shared positive experiences of communicating with peers and sharing learning across the Hub network. Ongoing communication between Hubs includes informal knowledge exchange over phone calls or attendance at weekly Hub managers’ catch ups or monthly Hub meetings.

Staff described the Hub network as very supportive and collegiate; the ability to tap into the ideas and experience of the more established Hubs was particularly appreciated by staff from newer Hubs, with evidence of this supporting Hub staff in their delivery of activities being evident in evaluation evidence

“So, me being new, I've come in and I can tap in and I say, who's got a business case they can share? Who's got a participatory budget they're managing? Who's worked with the First Minister? And of those people, one of them will have done it and they'll probably have time to have a quick chat with me.” (Hub staff)

Learning shared among Hubs has inspired new initiatives and helped to inform improvements in the delivery of Hub activity and communications, which has led to greater impact or reach. For example, one Hub said that learning from peers within other Hubs had led them to embed a rolling open grant program rather than a month long application throughout the year. The benefits of this change included less pressure on staff and applicants. Another said they had drawn creative inspiration from other Hubs approaches and applied this to their engagement methods.

“It has been helpful to adopt other hubs’ audience segmentation approaches by engagement and journey stage for our communications. This learning has helped balance our communications to serve the needs of a growing number of new members and also the priorities of an engaged and long-standing ELCAN membership.” (Hub staff)

“I was asking for some of the things that had worked well, some of the things they wanted to do differently, so I could learn from their experience and then implement the things that worked well to our website and change some of the things that they'd said that were a challenge. So part of it, for instance, was to make sure they had a blog so that they could keep it relevant as well within search engines and stuff. So now we have a blog to make sure that we can then add in articles throughout the year to ensure that it doesn't just drop completely.” (Hub staff)

There have, however, been challenges in terms of the capacity within community groups to evidence impact.

“Community groups only have so much capacity to report back. So that the actual difference it's made and the impact it's had as a result of the work is very difficult to capture and I think it's one of the main challenges we will continue to face with the programme.” (National stakeholder)

Most Hubs acknowledged that their main evidence base was qualitative, exploring increased knowledge, increased awareness, behaviour change, and connections. Some Hubs felt this was the best way to demonstrate impact, whereas others were keen to collect more definitive quantitative or emissions related data to evidence their impact, but described challenges in terms of implementing such approaches.

How monitoring and evaluation is informing delivery

Hub staff emphasised that feedback is most valuable when it is actively used rather than just collected. Several Hubs described reviewing feedback and case studies on a regular basis, either within staff meetings or other reflection sessions, to identify patterns and recurring issues. Feedback and attendance data has informed practical changes to delivery, such as event timings, venues, accessibility arrangements, and the format or content of events, workshops and training sessions.

Extending beyond being purely responsive to post-event feedback, some Hubs have implemented co-design approaches, empowering their members to contribute ideas and lead on direction of activity. This has usually been through ongoing communication, or Hubs have offered regular forums through which to give feedback.

There is some evidence that Hubs are using findings from monitoring and evaluation activity to inform funding bids. For example, Planning Aid Scotland were employed by Fife Communities Climate Action Network (FCCAN) to carry out community mapping, and several of their recommendations were incorporated into Fife Climate Hub’s Year 2 funding application.

Monitoring and evaluation has also been used for other purposes, such as mapping audiences and local activity. For example, the Fife Hub has tracked the postcodes of their seed grant community group applicants, to map their impact across different socio-economic areas in their region and inform future strategy. The Midlothian Hub has commissioned research around mapping local activity in community energy.

Monitoring the activity from community groups was a measure also being implemented by some Hubs, to maximise the impact of their grant funding. Some Hubs had made a simple post-grant evaluation a condition of their funding to groups, asking them to record their learning and impact; data from this exercise has been used to inform future funding decisions.

“We ask for reporting from the group, including the things that work or what they've learned, and we're trying to gather from that. And also just informal conversations that we have with groups and the things that we know just from general chats and not from like official things. Try to figure out what is the best way to do the next one that is actually helpful.” (Hub staff)

Sustainability

There were mixed views on the extent to which community climate action can continue without ongoing resources from the Scottish Government. A common view was that without continuous funding for Hubs, the community climate action that the Hubs have developed may continue in some form, but its’ reach and impact would be limited due to a lack of resources to drive the work forward.

In some cases, Hubs were cited as the catalyst for projects which may be able to sustain themselves in the future. For example:

• Climate Cafes funded by Argyll & Bute Hub seed funding rounds have continued to run through volunteers in Mid and North Argyll.
• Fife Climate Hub funded hours for a school community garden project, which then attracted new funding and became self-sustaining

A few interviewees felt that active community groups with high levels of motivation, climate expertise and strong volunteer bases could continue developing projects following initial, short-term support from Hubs. However, the majority of interviewees felt that without Hub staff acting as facilitators, project momentum would stall, partnerships would fade, and groups would lose confidence. Further, while some Hubs are beginning to generate earned income or secure external funding, interviewees were clear that these streams alone cannot replace core government funding.

“You cannot rely on people's voluntary capacity or goodwill to do climate action. You have to fund people to organise and do that.” (National stakeholder)

“If you remove the Hub and the networking and the funding, I think we would struggle… we don't have the time to research all the opportunities and create events like Fife Climate Hub do and provide the funding and manage that.” (Community member)

While there was less certainty on future sustainability of activity without dedicated resourcing, evaluation data presents a more positive picture of the legacy of the Hubs’ work. Table 5.7 shows that 79% of survey respondents agree or strongly agree that the Hubs’ activities will have a lasting impact into the future.

Table 5.7: The activities of the Hub will have a lasting impact into the future

Respondent type	Strongly agree	Agree	Neither agree nor disagree	Disagree	Strongly disagree
All respondents (n=175)	48%	31%	12%	3%	6%
Hub lead organisation staff or board member (n=18)	61%	22%	6%	0	11%
Hub volunteer (n=8)	63%	25%	0	0	13%
Community member involved in a project/event (including seed fund recipients) (n=102)	44%	36%	10%	4%	6%
Representative of a partner organisation (n=52)	50%	27%	19%	2%	2%
Other (n=7)	14%	57%	14%	0	14%

Participants in the evaluation commented on the legacy of the Climate Action Hubs, referencing strengthened networks, new audiences introduced to climate action, and increased skills and confidence embedded within communities. Some felt that Hubs have facilitated connections, built capacity and established practices that will continue beyond the current funding cycle.

5.6: Overall impact and secondary benefits

As this chapter has demonstrated, the evaluation has produced data from a range of sources which indicate that the programme has:

• Strengthened community‑level climate action, with Hubs raising awareness, increasing climate literacy, and enabling thousands of people to participate in training, events and practical activities.
• Enabled new and sustained local climate initiatives, providing seed funding, skills development and advice that have helped community groups initiate, expand or replicate climate‑focused projects.
• Built stronger relationships, networks and collaboration, acting as trusted convenors who bring together community groups, public bodies, local authorities and others to share learning and develop joint action.
• Increased communities’ ability to influence climate‑related policy, supporting consultation responses, building confidence to engage decision‑makers, and ensuring community voices are represented in local and national processes.
• Enhanced local capacity and long‑term resilience, with Hubs offering ongoing support, facilitating access to additional funding, and developing resources, training and partnerships that embed climate action more deeply across regions.

In addition to the contribution the programme has made to its intended outcomes, the evaluation has identified additional, secondary benefits outwith the core objectives of the programme. For example, several interviewees linked Hub activities to mental health benefits and a reduction in social isolation. Group activities have provided a safe, trusted environment for individuals facing social isolation, including elderly people, people with poor mental health and migrant women to connect socially, with participants becoming more embedded in their wider communities through Hub‑supported activities, volunteering roles and regular involvement in community events.

“Some of the most successful and impactful events delivered by the Hub have been those that bring people together across cultures and generations. Community gatherings, creative workshops, and youth-led activities have consistently attracted high engagement. These events have helped reduce social isolation, built confidence among young organisers, and strengthened relationships within the community.” (Community member)

“A lot of people in the Repair Cafe… have mental health problems that mean they can struggle to keep down a job, for example, and this gives them a feeling of worth and that they're functioning within society.” (Hub staff)

The programme has also delivered practical financial benefits to households at a time of rising living costs. Hubs have offered advice, training and workshops on actions that reduce energy bills, such as draughtproofing support, efficient home energy practices and retrofit guidance, helping residents cut costs and mitigate fuel poverty risks.

“There's a lady I know about - a single mum who was really struggling to decide whether to pay for heating or food, and via a hub, she got involved in a local food group, they opened a local community garden and now she's employed there, she's got work, but she also has healthy food at much reduced rate because she works there and some of it's free and now she doesn't need to decide.” (National stakeholder)

Seed funded projects have also supported low cost food growing, community gardens and shared tool schemes, reducing household expenditure on food and gardening equipment. In addition, circular economy initiatives such as second hand clothing schemes, repair workshops and upcycling activities have helped families save money on clothing and household items while reducing waste. Additionally, funding for Climate Action Hubs has directly created a range of green jobs across Scotland, providing new paid roles in climate action and communication, community engagement, nature restoration, sustainable transport and circular economy initiatives. The introduction of these roles has helped to strengthen Scotland’s wider green sector.

“The network of people working on climate action would probably not have been there without this dedicated funding. People being able to have jobs working in climate that are funded… it doesn't always happen. Those jobs aren't there. So if you're funding these Climate Hubs, that means they can employ local people to work on this.” (National stakeholder)

“I think in terms of economic opportunities, there's also something there around providing funded jobs in climate - that needs to continue for more action to happen… This model will work if it's continued to be funded. And if the funding is better and more long term, it provides economic security and more jobs in climate, which is really important too.” (National stakeholder)