The initiative, known as the CIRCLE (Community Innovation, Research and Leadership Exchange) Partnership, seeks to understand how local people shape their towns and villages through creativity, resilience, and grassroots leadership.
By mapping existing community-led initiatives and engaging directly with local change-makers, the team hopes to uncover what makes these efforts succeed, and how they can be scaled for greater impact.
At the heart of the pilot is a programme of in-depth focus groups designed acquire detailed contributions from community voices. These sessions will explore barriers to participation, identify opportunities for collaboration, and co-create practical recommendations for strengthening local leadership. The findings will culminate in a strategic report and a public event to share insights and discuss next steps.
This research directly supports Harborough District Council’s ‘Economic Development Strategy (2024–2031)’, particularly its goals of Thriving People and Thriving Places. By grounding policy and investment decisions in real lived experiences, the project aims to make civic engagement more inclusive and sustainable.
Dr Danny Buckley, Director of Studies for Executive Education at Loughborough Business School said: “We’re committed to conducting research with tangible, real-world impact. Putting our school’s ‘Progress with Purpose’ ethos into practice means recognising that real change often starts within communities themselves. This project is about identifying and strengthening existing leadership for the benefit of everyone.”
The pilot promises to deliver evidence-based insights that will inform future council strategies, foster stronger partnerships between local authorities and voluntary groups, and empower communities to manage and shape their own futures.
Councillor Jo Asher, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Leisure, Economy and Tourism said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with Loughborough Business School on the CIRCLE Partnership.
“By listening to the voices, ideas, and experiences of our residents, we can ensure that our policy decisions and future investments are genuinely community-led.
“This is about building stronger, more resilient towns and villages across the district by empowering the people who know them best.”