Asset based approaches recognise and build on the existing strengths within communities, and start with what is valued most to those living in that community.

Traditional approaches to community development come from a perspective of a community’s problems and needs, which only exacerbates issues they are facing.

Traditional approaches to community development have developed as vertical models of intervention, and are becoming increasingly expensive and unsustainable.

Asset based approaches have far reaching benefits for individuals and communities, and society more broadly.

Asset based approaches put people and communities at the centre of services, focusing on their needs and aspirations. This person-centred approach is gathering traction across public services.

Current structures and ways of working act as barriers to successful asset based community development, as do the challenges of ensuring meaningful inclusive participation and evaluating and measuring the impact of asset based approaches.

Examples of asset based community development in action include: Croydon ABCD Pilot Project; Link Up, Inspiring Scotland; and valuing nurses as assets: The Buurtzorg care model.