Community Development Exchange


The Community Development Exchange, or CDX, was a not for profit, UK-wide membership organisation for individuals, organisations and networks who work in communities and/or are involved in community development.
CDX worked to influence government policy and develop the skills of those working with communities by acting as an information exchange and as a voice to articulate the concerns of communities and community development practitioners.
CDX was a registered charity, based in Sheffield, South Yorkshire. Its last Chief Executive Officer was Nick Beddow.

Membership

CDX had over 1000 members in the UK and Ireland. The membership base was varied and included agencies, projects and teams, networks and individuals from across the statutory, non-profit and private sector, reflecting a wide range of disciplines and community experience.

Aims and objectives

CDX aimed to:
  1. Create and raise awareness of community development
  2. Influence policy making and social change
  3. Strengthen and support community development practice
  4. Facilitate networking amongst community development workers
  5. Promote Gender and Development Activities

    History

CDX, formerly called Standing Conference for Community Development was set up in 1987 and formally inaugurated in February 1991 as an incorporated association. It became a charitable company limited by guarantee on 16 December 1999. On 27 October 2003 SCCD changed its name to the Community Development Exchange.In 2011 CDX lost its status as a Strategic Partner of Government, and subsequently was unable to secure alternative funding. CDX closed at the end of December 2012.

Partners

CDX worked with a diverse range of partners at national and regional levels, including:
CDX was one of three national community development organisations and strives to work collaboratively with the other two:
CDX received funding from the Office for Civil Society since 2001. This funding ended in March 2011. CDX operated on its reserves until its closure in December 2012.

Our Society & NatCAN

CDX has supported the development of Our Society, a community-based network, focusing on the Big Society. CDX was also a founding member of the online National Community Activists Network to provide a platform for community activists to share news and ideas,