URL: http://www.ruralcommunities.gov.uk/files/CRC18-DefiningBestPractice.pdf
What is best practice?
The identification, collection and dissemination of best
practice is a commonly used approach to improving practice.
However in order to identify best practice we first need to
identify and agree the key components that make it up.
The criteria listed here are the result of consultation and
discussion both with CRC staff and a wide range of external
organisations. They can be used in national, regional and
local contexts and apply equally to the development of both
policy and practice.
What defining best practice is not
The identification of the key elements of best practice is not
an attempt to standardise the development of policy and
practice. In rural areas the one size fits all response does not
work. Approaches need to be tailored to fit local needs and
circumstances. Diversity is necessary both to meet current
needs and changing future conditions.
We do believe however that all best practice – whether it is a
process such as the development of national or regional
policy frameworks, or practice such as the setting up of a
community based project - shares some common features. It
is these features that we have tried to identify.
Definition of best practice
• Delivers effective, identifiable outcomes, meeting
identified needs or filling gaps in provision.
• Makes good use of scarce resources such as finance,
property, skills.
• Reflects local circumstances and conditions.
• Self evaluates, considers and learns from previous
examples and experience.
• Is flexible and can adapt to changing needs and
circumstances.
• Is creative in its approach to problem solving.
• Provides transferable models/blueprints for others to
follow, without over-reliance on exceptional individuals.
• Shows long term sustainability and viability.
• Demonstrates cross sector and partnership working.
• Is inclusive and consultative.
