Scottish climate action hubs: models research

3. Developing the Hubs

3.1. Creation of the Hubs

Most hubs and networks explored as part of this research started organically as a group of individuals, often already engaging in climate action related activities, who wished to collaborate more effectively with individuals and groups within their wider communities. These individuals were working initially on a voluntary basis, though some hubs have now employed paid management roles (see Appendix B).

Conversely, Climate Action Leeds and Cool Wirral hubs have developed through a more coordinated approach, with specific funding allocated for their set up. Climate Action Leeds was developed through five local delivery partners and funded through the National Lottery Climate Action Fund. Cool Wirral has been developed through the local authority, alongside local partners including the Chamber of Commerce. Both hubs note the benefits of having dedicated funds at early stages, as they have been able to employ paid staff to support hub development.

Learnings that can be applied to the development of the Climate Action Hub Programme in Scotland:

• There is evidence that hubs that evolve organically (‘bottom-up’), and those that are planned by a central organisation (‘top-down’) are successful.
• Planned hubs have benefited from having paid staff support the development of hubs at early stages.