The Big Society? This was the big idea, hyped by big bravado, and delivered with plenty of big Crowdsourcing innuendo and platitude by David Cameron throughout April and May. A statement without substance? Further evidence of the ‘Old Politics’ masquerading as the ‘New Politics’? Either way, Cameron’s in charge now (with his new best made Nick Clegg by his side) – and he’s trumpeting the Big Society once again.

Big societies require big planning. So what better prospect than trialling the scheme in four local authority areas (two in the north, two in the south)? Congratulations to Liverpool, Eden Valley (Cumbria), Windsor and Maidenhead (Berkshire) and Sutton and Cheam (south-west London) – I think. Although David Cameron’s Big Society sounds like the start of a new BBC Three comedy show, last week the leading man in British politics formulated a strategy which he intends to implement at local government level:

1) Social Action
2) Public service reform
3) Community empowerment

Each of the four test sites will have a trained community organiser who will attempt to stimulate and structure local involvement in community projects. Dedicated civil servants will provide their expertise should bureaucracy get in the way of project progression. They will also be able to draw on the Big Society Bank, which Cameron says will provide ‘hundreds of millions of pounds’ to Big Society projects from April 2011. So are we about to reclaim our community spirit?

Opponents have accused the government of building a smokescreen to cover up the gaps left by the cuts in public services, (which will possibly exceed 25%). Persuading volunteers to offer their services on a regular basis will be tricky- harder still when resources are scarce. Volunteers require just as much funding support as any professional setup. This form of Crowdsourcing doesn’t go far enough. Cameron alludes to the idea with his ‘Community empowerment’ plan. Creating communities with neighbourhoods is well-intentioned, but how easy is it to construct? How do you motivate and stimulate a crowd that has no intention of getting involved?

Cameron has described The Big Society as “the biggest redistribution of power from elites in Whitehall to the man and woman on the street.” This could turn out very well for a rural area such as the Eden Valley, where the likelihood of knowing Mr Smith two doors down or Ms Jones five minutes away is greater. For those who live in larger towns or cities, how many could honestly say they have ever spoken to all the neighbours on their street, let alone personally know them? How many people genuinely recognise the strong community image of east-end London and suburban Manchester portrayed in Eastenders and Coronation Street?

The Government needs to think carefully about what it is trying to achieve. What happens when the blueprint for a successful community project is actually found? What constitutes a successful project? How focussed will the projects be? How many people can be motivated to take part? We believe there are three criteria that the coaltition must consider before going BIG on the Big Society.

1) A clear mission statement- Jo(e) Public must be able to understand what she/he is signing up for. The tasks must be achievable.

2) Measurable goals- achievement or failure must be quantifiable. No-one will work without some form of record of attainment.

3) Passion- The crux of volunteering. Volunteers need to feel a self-worth and reward for their work. If they are not passionate about the project, their spare time will be spent elsewhere.

The Big Society faces a big test. There are well-intentioned and highly successful community projects all over the country. For those seeking examples, watch episodes of Channel Four’s ‘Secret Millionaire’ for encouragement. And if there are more ‘secret millionaires’ out there ready to fund these community projects, then so much the better. There is an equal need for lucrative financial backers and legions of volunteers across the country ready to create sustainable projects.

It sounds fun. But is it realistic? If the Government are truly committed to reintroducing community spirit and redistributing power, they need to think more widely. Earlier this month, we came up with some very big ideas for Cameron and Clegg to mull over. Perhaps they’re worth big consideration too?