THE AIM OF THIS FRAMEWORK is to provide a basis for working with people, not only on issues of local concern but also when developing wider programmes and policies. All too often external experts seem to have more influence over change in communities and the development of policies and priorities. The result is a development process that is unsustainable, unfair, of little relevance to those directly affected and which fails to make the best use of available resources, experience and skills. This framework is about a different approach. It is about working with communities first and recognising their interests, expertise and experience as the basis for development.