Milton Keynes Community Cohesion Plan 2009-2012
The Milton Keynes Cohesion strategy was launched in December 2008. The strategy was
developed in partnership with local businesses, the umbrella consortium organisations,
local statutory providers and internal council teams. It addressed cohesion within Milton
Keynes and devised a vision for cohesion.
Milton Keynes will be a place:
Where people will live and work alongside each other and find a
common sense of belonging in, and identify with, their community;
Where everyone gets on well with others from other backgrounds
and comes together in common interests and appreciates and
respects their differences;
And where members of each community can take pride in their
contribution to the community as a whole and look forward to a
shared and positive future.
The aim of the cohesion strategy was to build on the positive work which is already
happening and to further promote the principals of cohesive communities across Milton
Keynes.
The strategy outlined five broad strategic objectives by which cohesion work will be
delivered within MK, they are:





Building a sense of local pride and encouraging a sense of
belonging
Promoting greater knowledge and understanding between
differing communities
Engaging and supporting young people
Addressing social conflicts and tensions
Engaging with one another to improve satisfaction with the
local area
This plan will provide guidance and direction for all agencies working with communities
within Milton Keynes. It will develop cohesive communities by providing opportunities for
agencies to link their work and deliver services in the community, provide opportunities
for the different communities to bond over mutually shared activities and provide
opportunities for people from different backgrounds to share their diverse lifestyles and
cultures to help bridge some of those differences.
The plan will ensure that programmes of work and projects within communities is
contributing to an increase in the % of people who believe people from different
backgrounds get on well together in their local area.
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Strengthening the links:
Agencies work to build
links with its communities
Strengthening the Bonds:
Bonds within communities
are strengthened and those
on the margins are
supported
Strengthening the Bridges:
Bridges between communities
are built to help reduce tensions
Outcome
(link to NI)
1. Building a sense
of local pride and
encouraging a sense
of belonging
The Milton Keynes Brand
includes a theme for our
Cohesion work
Work in specific communities
contributes to increased
perception of cohesion within
those areas
Umbrella consultation groups are
strengthened and encouraged to
support and interact with each
other
NI 2- % of people
who feel that they
belong to their
neighbourhood
2. Promoting greater
knowledge and
understanding
between different
communities
Activities and interventions
contributing to cohesion
across MK are regularly
collated and mapped
Events celebrating the diverse
population within MK are held,
enabling groups to feel pride
in and share their culture and
identities
Awareness opportunities are
created to increase people’s
knowledge of lifestyles and cultures
that are not their own
NI 1 - % of people
who believe people
from different
backgrounds get on
well together in their
local area
3. Engaging and
supporting young
people
Increase the opportunities
for children and young
people to design and deliver
of services
Vulnerable Children and
young people achieve as
highly as their peers
Support schools and settings to
NI 69 – reduction in
develop measures to prevent
the % of children who
bullying or racist incidents as well
as swift responses when they occur have experienced
bullying
4. Addressing
discrimination,
social conflicts and
tensions
Equality Impact
Assessments are published
and acted upon and
address issues of
unfairness
Communities are involved in
challenging and preventing
violent extremism
An integrated system for reporting
and identifying hate
incidents/crimes is developed for
homophobia, race, religious and
disability related incidents
NI 23 – Increase in
perceptions that
people in the area
treat one another
with respect and
consideration
5. Engaging with
one another to
improve satisfaction
with the local area
Confidence Campaign
(CSP)is developed to
address local tensions and
issues
Marginalised groups are
encouraged and actively
supported to participate in
civic duties
Parish Councils and
Neighbourhood Action Groups
monitor and utilise local cohesion
data
NI 5 – Overall
general satisfaction
with the local area
.
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1. BUILDING A SHARED SENSE OF LOCAL PRIDE AND BELONGING
What has been achieved for people from
different communities
Key things we’ve done for the
community in the last year.
The Local Strategic Partnership have
adopted a number of indicators which
promote the development of cohesion in
Milton Keynes, in particular NI 1the % of
people who believe people from different
backgrounds get on well together in their
local area.
Developed the Community Belonging
thematic partnership which is the group
responsible for monitoring the development
and progress of NI 1
Areas have been identified for targeted
cohesion work where the positive response
to NI 1 was less than 76.2%.
An additional Place Survey is being carried
out to provide further evidence in relation to
the associated indicators.
There are eight core umbrella organisations
that advocate on behalf of the voluntary and
community sector organisations on issues
including race and ethnicity, LGBT, faith
groups, older people, younger people and
disability and gender issues.
Communication between umbrella
engagement organisations and relevant
users and stakeholders has been
strengthened
What we still need to focus on?

Ensuring the Milton Keynes brand is widely communicated

Developing a virtual cohesion networking group to further engage partners in the
development, delivery and communication of community cohesion work.

Developing community cohesion leaders at all levels within the Council and
develop Cohesion champions within partner agencies.

Supporting the umbrella consultation groups to develop their infrastructures further,
enabling them to widen their reach.

Developing stronger partnerships between internal council departments and
presenting a unified front

Identifying any further improvements in terms of usage which could make
community centres or locality hubs more representative of local communities.
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1. Building a shared sense of local pride and belonging
Key Objective Action
Timescale
Lead
Measure of
success
Monitor and review the community cohesion performance
indicators including assessing the success of all outcomes.
March 2010 Community
Belonging group
An increase in NI 1
Develop a virtual cohesion networking group.
March 2010 MKC Cohesion
Initial network with
30 partners
Support the umbrella consultation groups to develop their
1. Building a
infrastructures.
shared sense
of local pride
and belonging Develop stronger partnerships between internal council
departments.
Develop community cohesion leaders at all levels within MKC
and develop Cohesion champions within partner agencies.
Develop and communicate the Milton Keynes brand
alongside partner agencies.
Identifying any further improvements in terms of usage which
could make community centres or locality hubs more
representative of local communities.
March 2010 MKC Equalities
April 2011
Community
Belonging group
March 2012 MKC Equalities
MKC
Communications
March 2012 Community Well
Being
Funding allocated
to work around the
six strands
Increased
participation of
marginalised
groups
Identifiable leads
Associated
indicator
NI 2- % of
people who feel
that they
belong to their
neighbourhood
Actual
2009=52%
Target
2011= 55%
Branding
information
includes elements
of cohesion
Centres usage
become more
multi-cultural
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2. PROMOTING GREATER KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN
DIFFERENT COMMUNITIES
What has been achieved for people from
Key things we’ve done for the
different communities
community in the last year.
The Community Grants Registration
scheme supports voluntary and community
sector agencies to develop their ability to
deliver services.
The MK Web MK Mix and the MKCVO have
events diary with a focus on events and
celebrations around the equality strands
Well over 100 events have been held and
celebrated in MK including the World Picnic
event, the Diversity conference, Celebr8
and World Peace Day celebrations.
Several cohesion events run by community
and voluntary organisation were supported
by council funding
Many different organisations have held
awareness events that have increased the
knowledge of local services and people,
such as the Spotlight events
A number of Interfaith events have taken
place in faith based organisations including
Mosques and Islamic centres including the
first Interfaith conference.
What we will focus on?

Developing a mechanism for mapping cohesion activities and interventions across
MK

Developing protocols to ensure that local knowledge and intelligence about
existing and emerging communities is communicated effectively

Creating more opportunities to promote diversity positively in the media, ensuring
that we identify and respond to negative and/or inaccurate reporting that could
have an impact on cohesion

Ensuring all MKC’s grants programmes are promoted to a wide range of local
organisations and community groups so that all groups are encouraged and
supported to apply.

Developing a system to enable all communities and in particular groups falling
within the six equality strand groups are appropriately invited to cultural and
diverse events.

Co-ordinating and collating cohesive events and activities aimed at building cross
community and intergenerational relationships.

Strengthening the current system for welcoming new arrivals and in particular
migrant workers, asylum seekers and refugees.
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2. Promoting greater knowledge and understanding between different communities
Key Objective
Action
Timescale

2. Promoting
greater
knowledge and
understanding
between
different
communities
Develop a mechanism for mapping cohesion activities
and interventions across MK
April 2010
Lead
Measure of
success
MKC Cohesion
Database of
activities
developed

Ensure all MKC’s grants programmes are promoted to a
wide range of local organisations and community
groups.
September
2010
Community
Belonging
Increase groups
knowledge

Research into the initial needs of new arrivals and in
particular migrant workers, asylum seekers and
refugees.
September
2010
MKC Cohesion
Data to support
targeted projects

Co-ordinate and collate cohesive events and activities
which focus on cross community and intergenerational
relationships.
March 2011
MKC Equalities
Diary of events
developed
Develop protocols to ensure local knowledge and
intelligence about existing and emerging communities is
communicated effectively
April 2011

Create more opportunities to promote diversity
positively in the media and challenge negative and/or
inaccurate reporting that could have an impact on
cohesion
April 2011
MKC Equalities
Increase in NI 1

Develop a communication system to appropriately invite
all communities, to cultural and diverse events.
April 2011
MKCLIP
Increased
communities
attendance

Associated
indicator
NI 1 - % of
people who
believe
people from
different
background
s get on well
together in
their local
area
Actual
2009= 76.2%
MKEC
Service delivery
better informed
Target
2011= 79.9%
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3. Engaging and supporting young people
What has been achieved for people from
different communities
Key things we’ve done for the
community in the last year.
The Youth Cabinet has 26 young people
who have been democratically elected, the
are focussing 3 main areas, youth
provision, healthy lifestyles and the all in
one card discount card
The “MysayMK” website is a dedicated site
for young people in MK, featuring access to
activities, volunteering opportunities,
information, advice and guidance.
MK has received £250k for the small
medium and large grants from the Youth
Bank funds. Groups of young people have
been allocated funds for various positive
activities for young people. The fund is
administered and assessed by a selected
group of young people.
“Make a Difference” continues to provide
high quality and diverse volunteering
opportunities with valuable accreditation.
The Sports Development team have a
coordinated programme of “doorstep”
activities being delivered locally over the
next two years.
Volunteering opportunities for young people
from different backgrounds are encouraged
and supported at different cultural and
diverse events.
What we will focus on?

Completing the inclusion audit which will establish stronger systems for collecting
evidence about bullying and hate incidents, so that intervention can be more effectively
targeted.

Consulting on and implementing an inclusion strategy which will enhance provision
and secure early provision of support for all learners when they need it, underpinned
by a revised funding model for learners with learning difficulties.

Raising attainment as it is still lower than national averages. Nationally the percentage
of pupils achieving five or more A* – C grades at GCSE (including English and maths)
in 2008 was 47.6% compared to 42.1% in Milton Keynes and at Key Stage 2, 73% of
pupils achieved Level 4 or above compared to 72% in Milton Keynes.

Review and support the development of school councils in primary settings to improve
the involvement of children and young people in making decisions.

Promoting the development of a Community Cohesion leads in all services for
children and young people.

Developing further and encouraging inter-generational and cross-community
volunteering opportunities.

Working with the umbrella consultation groups to ensure there are mechanisms for
feedback and participation, particularly for marginalised groups.
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3. Engaging and supporting young people
Key Objective
Action
3. Engaging
and
supporting
young people
Timescale
Lead
Measure of success
Associated
indicator

Raise achievement of children and young people with
learning difficulties
March 2011
Assistant Director,
Targeted Services
13.7% by 2011

Reduce the number of children not in school
March 2011
Assistant Director,
Targeted Services
Rate of persistent
absences in
secondary schools
reduced to 5% from
5.6%

Increased proportion of black and minority ethnic
heritage pupils achieving 5 or more A* – C grades at
GCSE and equivalent including English and maths
March 2011
Assistant Director,
Universal Services
50% by 2011 from
43%

Reduce the difference in achievement between pupils
entitled to free school meals in KS4 and their peers
achieving 5 A* – C grades at GCSE and equivalent
including English and maths
March 2011
Assistant Director,
Universal Services
21% by 2011 from
27.8%

Increase the opportunities for children and young people
to influence the design and delivery of services
March 2011
Assistant Director,
Targeted Services
100% of Schools
have school councils
Actual
2009= 47%

Support schools and settings to develop measures to
prevent bullying or racist incidents as well as effective
and swift responses when they occur
March 2011
Assistant Director,
Targeted Services
Target
2011= 43%

Promote the development of Community Cohesion
leads in all services for children and young people.
April 2011
MKC Cohesion
Fewer children and
young people
report experiencing
bullying:
Leads identified

Develop further and encourage inter-generational and
cross-community volunteering opportunities.
April 2011
Make A Difference
Increase in NI 1

Work with the umbrella consultation groups to ensure
there are mechanisms for feedback and participation,
particularly for marginalised groups.
March 2012
MKCLIP
Increase in
involvement form
marginalised groups
Tell Us
Survey NI 69
– reduction
in the % of
children who
have
experienced
bullying
8
4. Addressing discrimination, social conflicts and tensions
What has been achieved for people from
Key things we’ve done for the
different communities
community in the last year.
Impact assessment are published and lead
to some changes
Public agencies have renewed their
equality schemes and this has led to better
impact assessment systems
The Prevent Board has commissioned
thirteen community projects to identify and
promote issues and needs within the local
Muslim community and support the
development of the local PVE programme
Prevent Children and young People’s
project has been recognised nationally as
best practice
Race hate crime are reported a reporting
centres in Milton Keynes
Reporting centre training has taken place,
increasing the number of centres from 37 to
40. More reporting has therefore been
enabled through an integrated process.
This system is being extended to cover all
categories of hate crime.
What we will focus on?
 Publishing more impact assessments with the participation of the community.
 Integrating the Prevent programme into mainstream work.
 Achieving the objectives of the Prevent projects.
 Developing an engagement processes which provides feedback on the prevention
work.
 Renewing a reporting system which involves faith and community groups
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4. Addressing discrimination, social conflicts and tensions
Key Objective Action
Projects are developed to prevent violent extremism in line
with the current risk assessment
Public Agencies publish a set of impact assessment in line
with their equality schemes
4. Addressing
discrimination Prevents Project meet their outcomes and contribute to the
, social
prevention of violent extremism
conflicts and
tensions
A wider consultation on Prevention work is completed and
then the same cohort is revisited to see how ideas are
changing
New systems for reporting and new reporting centres are
trained and are working
Timescale
Lead
Measure of
success
May 2010
Safer MK via
Prevent Board
Projects are
commissioned on
time
March 2010 MK Equalities
80% of planed
impact
assessments are
published
May 2011
90% of projects
complete their
outcomes
May 2011
May 2011
Safer MK via
Prevent Board
Safer MK via
Prevent Board
100 participants
Safer MK via
Prevent Board
Greater
confidence in
reporting incidents
Associated
indicator
NI 23 –
Increase in
perceptions
that people in
the area treat
one another
with respect
and
consideration
Actual
2009=26.3%
Target
2011= 33.6%
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5. Engaging with one another to improve satisfaction with the local area
What has been achieved for people from
Key things we’ve done for the
different communities
community in the last year.
Multi-agency programmes of work
developed aimed at increasing the local
communities’ wellbeing and confidence in
statutory services.
Confidence boosting campaigns in targeted
areas and with specific communities
including Safer MK and TVP holding safety
sessions for LGBT communities.
Residents in local communities are
continually encouraged and supported to
engage and contribute to the delivery of
services.
Additional support to improve involvement
and participation from identified groups has
begun, ie BME involvement in
Neighbourhood Action Groups.
Milton Keynes has forty five Town and
Parish Councils and twenty eight
Neighbourhood Action Groups which
enable local people to address issues
relevant to their areas.
Identified three priorities for each area
where increased multi-agency participation
with residents will help to address or reduce
the issues.
What we will focus on?
 Concentrating the delivery of cohesion work on the 7 steps to community
cohesion.
 Providing a resource for groups to highlight best practice with regards to equality
and cohesion for activities held.
 Continuing the targeted cohesion work in the 7 identified wards (Eaton Manor,
Wolverton, Bletchley and Fenny Stratford, Campbell Park, Whaddon, Woughton,
Denbigh, in partnership with the regeneration team.
 Increasing the involvement and representation of local communities in the decision
making processes, particularly those from BME, younger people, people with a
disability and women.
 Developing the neighbourhood action plans people from all communities are
consulted with, particularly BME, disability, younger people, older people,
particular faith groups and people from LGBT communities.
 Developing a range of arts project which illustrate, celebrate and enhance the
understanding of cultural and lifestyle differences.
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5. Engaging with one another to improve satisfaction with the local area
Key Objective Action
Timescale

5. Engaging
with one
another to
improve
satisfaction
with the local
area
Use the 7 steps to community cohesion in the delivery
of services to the community.
Lead
March 2011 MKC Cohesion
Measure of
success
Trust in statutory
services
increases

Develop the neighbourhood action plans to ensure
they include the views of groups from all communities.

Partners contribute to the targeted cohesion work in
the 7 identified areas, in partnership with the
regeneration team.
April 2011
Provide a resource for recording best practice for
cohesion and equality.
April 2011

Encourage partners’ engagement with BME
communities, younger people, people with a disability
and women to increase their involvement and
representation.
April 2011
MKC Policy
All partners
encourage
involvement

Develop arts projects which illustrate, celebrate and
enhance the understanding of cultural and lifestyle
differences.
April 2012
Leisure Learning
and Culture
Increase in NI 11

March 2011 MKC Regeneration
MKC Regeneration
Associated
indicator
Inclusive plans
developed
Increase in NI 1
and NI 5
NI 5 – Overall
general
satisfaction
with the local
area
Actual
2009= 82.7%
MKC Cohesion
Best practice
captured
Target
2011= 85.6%
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