The national agenda

The expression community cohesion has become a way of addressing many of the issues and challenges that accompany globalisation, demographic change and migration.  As a concept, it looks at how people and communities can improve their quality of life by building a better understanding of the things they have in common, rather than focussing on the differences that keep them apart. [Institute of Community Cohesion]

When community cohesion is achieved, there is a common vision, sense of belonging and similar life opportunities available to all.[Commission on Integration and Cohesion]

Common vision

A cohesive community is defined as one where 'there is a clearly defined and widely shared sense of the contribution of different individuals and different communities to a future vision for a neighbourhood, city, region or country.'

Sense of belonging

A cohesive community is one where:

• there is a strong sense of an individual's rights and responsibilities when living in a particular place
• there is a strong sense of trust in institutions locally to act fairly in arbitrating between different interests

Life opportunities

Cohesive communities should communicate fairness at all times and tackle inequality gaps.  Enabling every child to fulfil their potential makes a significant contribution to long term community cohesion.

It is recognised that schools play a significant role in promoting community cohesion in this broad social agenda.