The Green Zone was a resident-led project, based on the values of Community Development(http://fcdl.org/about-fcdl/community-development)This leadership came from a ‘steering group’ of 4 residents who represented the estate (plus Sam from City South and someone from Groundwork). They, along with others in Greening the Redbricks and TARA, had written the original funding bid and created the goals and aims of Green Zone. It was very important to the success and sustainability of the project that decisions came from resident representatives, and the project remained rooted in the estate. Therefore, the steering group provided decision-making and governance throughout the life of the project.
Part of the funding was allocated towards employing a project coordinator. Their role was to liaise between residents, the steering group, groups on the estate, other departments at City South (such as Asset Management and Neighbourhood Services), and any other agencies, such as Manchester City Council. Applicants were shortlisted and interviewed by a panel made up of a resident representative, a member of Groundwork staff, and a member of City South Staff. Two people were appointed on a job-share basis.
The project coordinator was based in the Regeneration team at the City South offices, a short walk from the estate. Line management was provided by the Regeneration manager, who had assisted the residents in the original bid. This meant that the project coordinator had access to the office resources of the housing trust with direct support from a line manager, but ultimate guidance and governance still came from residents.