Scottish Rural Communities Policy Review: stage 1 - theories of change

Scottish Rural Network

This chapter provides context for the Scottish Rural Network (SRN) theory of change (see Figure 1.3) and key feedback from stakeholders with strategic insight of this initiative or similar networks.

Background

The Scottish Rural Network was established in 2007 to support the delivery of the Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP). It has evolved over time and is currently managed through the Network Support Unit within Scottish Government. More detail is available in the ‘Stage 2. Review of Policy and Delivery Context’ published alongside this report.

Vision and aims

The wording of the vision for the Scottish Rural Network is based on existing documentation (including information available online). It was reviewed by Scottish Government and refined based on stakeholder feedback. A number of stakeholders expressed a desire for the vision to be bold and ambitious.

The aims of the Scottish Rural Network are as shown on their website. However, there were a number of comments from stakeholders which could be considered for any future revisions of the aims. These included: a desire to see more emphasis on the importance of collaboration and partnership working; a suggestion to use stronger language, for example “engaging farmers, rural businesses and communities about wider policy and funding…” rather than “informing”; and a suggestion for there to be a subset of objectives for each aim.

In practice, stakeholders felt that the Scottish Rural Network has focused more on community development than agricultural support in recent years.

Inputs

The resources captured under the policy and legislative framework reflect the evolving policy landscape in which the Scottish Rural Network is operating. This recognises the legacy of European Union (EU) regulations whilst acknowledging the emergence of new frameworks such as the Scottish Government’s forthcoming Rural Support Plan and Rural Delivery Plan.

Stakeholders highlighted the importance of applied research as an input, particularly existing knowledge on good practice. Partnerships were also highlighted as a significant input, particularly in helping the Scottish Rural Network extend its reach.

Activities

Stakeholders acknowledged that many Scottish Rural Network activities stem from its historical role within the EU framework. However, activity will continue to evolve post-EU exit. This is reflected in the language used in the fifth aim, which notes the Scottish Rural Network’s role in promoting the Scottish Rural Development Programme (under the EU Common Agricultural Policy, or ‘CAP’), but also other wider initiatives relevant to rural and island communities.

Collaboration with wider rural networks across the UK and beyond was noted as an activity that had decreased since EU exit, but there was a desire to rekindle knowledge exchange in this area.

Outputs

As with the Scottish Rural Action Theory of Change, the outputs reflect what is produced as a result of the activities. These are often quantifiable, but stakeholders also highlighted the importance of capturing qualitative information. Further work would be needed to refine the outputs if these are to be used for evaluation purposes, perhaps including key performance indicators.

The Scottish Rural Network website, and written and video case studies, were highlighted as important tools for information sharing and engagement. One stakeholder noted the particular success of the Welsh Rural Network's ‘user-friendly’ platform, which could be investigated by the Scottish Rural Network team.

Short-medium term outcomes

Again, stakeholders emphasised that improved collaboration, networking and information sharing are key outcomes for the Scottish Rural Network.

Stakeholders also stressed the importance of clearly defining and communicating the Scottish Rural Network’s role within the broader rural and island development landscape and beyond, particularly given overlapping interests with different policy areas within Scottish Government.

In relation to ‘increased awareness and uptake of funding opportunities that add value to communities’, it was noted that this could include job creation, improved wellbeing and more climate friendly practices in the longer term.

Long-term impacts

Enhanced resilience and sustainability of rural and island communities was identified as the key long-term impact, which the other long-term impacts support.

Assumptions and risks

Annual funding and budget cuts were highlighted as significant risks. Under EU frameworks, the Scottish Rural Network operated on a five-year funding cycle. Stakeholders noted that the change to annual funding impacts on long-term planning and delivery of outcomes.

The small size of the Scottish Rural Network team within Scottish Government was also identified as a key risk. This impacted on the team’s capacity to deliver Scottish Rural Network activity against a background of increased demand and budget cuts.

It was also suggested that it can be challenging to measure and demonstrate the impact of a network which means there could be limited awareness of the contribution of the network among stakeholders.

In relation to the assumption that the Scottish Rural Network remains part of a wider European movement, it was noted that there is a principle that rural policy in Scotland aligns with EU policy (unless there is reason to diverge).