Advocacy, Policy & Research

Advocacy: Rural Voice

Action in rural Sussex operates as the champion of rural communities across East and West Sussex. It operates as an advocate for rural communities and seeks to influence those in the public, private and voluntary sectors in order to ensure that a high quality of life is maintained for all those living in rural Sussex.

A particular focus is placed on highlighting those issues which affect those at particular risk of exclusion or who find it difficult to make their own voice heard. This is achieved through the organisations membership of many partnerships and representative bodies which allows evidence and information generated by the organisation to be presented and arguments made.

In order to fulfil its role as an advocate for rural areas, Action in rural Sussex is a member of the Rural Community Action Network run by Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE). Strong links also exist with the Commission for Rural Communities (CRC) and the South East Rural Community Councils (SERCC).

Policy: Development & Analysis

Ensuring that the development and delivery of policy does not adversely affect those living in rural areas of Sussex is a key area of work undertaken by Action in rural Sussex. The organisation contributes to government and local authority consultations and works with stakeholders in order to ensure that rural communities and their needs are considered by decision-makers.

A key component of this work is providing 'rural proofing' training and guidance to other organisations or actually undertaking the rural proofing function on their behalf.

Research & Consultancy

The advocacy and policy work of Action in rural Sussex is supported by undertaking research into rural issues, both as part of its core function and on a consultancy basis to interested bodies. Indeed the organisation has a long track record of involvement in planning and conducting research. Undertaking research projects in this ways provides AirS with data and evidence on the current status of rural Sussex, which may then be used to support better decision-making and improve project delivery.

Action in rural Sussex has a wide range of expertise in undertaking consultancy with a particular emphasis on research, project evaluation, meeting facilitation, questionnaire and survey design, focus groups and data analysis.

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