SURF is Scotland’s Regeneration Forum
Aims and objectives
SURF’s overall objective is to improve the lives and opportunities of residents in Scotland’s disadvantaged communities.
To meet this goal, SURF’s key aims are:
- To provide a neutral space for all sectors and players in Scottish community regeneration to share their knowledge and experience
- To stimulate challenging debate about community regeneration policy and practice
- To maintain a high status for community regeneration on Scotland’s political agenda
- To provide relevant and constructive feedback to key policy-makers
SURF network
The SURF network is the primary arena for debate on community regeneration in Scotland. It acts as a channel for information, consultation and policy proposals, based on the knowledge and experience of its extensive membership and wider connections.
SURF network activity includes seminars, conferences, international policy exchanges, the annual SURF Awards for Best Practice in Community Regeneration and the distribution of information and comment in a variety of formats.
This all provides a truly independent network to explore current practice, experience and knowledge, with which to positively influence the development of successful regeneration policy and practice.
Background
SURF was established in 1992 as a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee. It is directed by a board of voluntary directors drawn from across its wide cross-sector membership of over 300 organisations. It is a charity, registered with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator.
SURF members range in size from small community groups to some of Scotland’s largest private companies. Membership organisations also include local authorities, housing associations, health boards, academic institutions, professional bodies, voluntary organisations and charities.
Since its inception, SURF has operated from two basic principles:
- Successful and sustainable regeneration is only achievable when all aspects of physical, social, economic and cultural regeneration are addressed in a holistic approach.
- The people who are the intended beneficiaries of any regeneration effort must be meaningfully involved in the process if it is to be successful in planning, implementation and maintenance.
Further information on SURF activity is available in our annual report
