COGS is an independent organisation specialising in policy and practice development and works at national, regional and local levels with the public, voluntary, community and private sectors. Current Director is Tony Herrmann who also works with individual and corporate associates who bring a range of additional expertise. COGS areas of expertise include: * community engagement, empowerment and development * people based regeneration * community action research, planning and evaluation * group and event facilitation COGS provide a range of services including: * Consultation and assistance in community empowerment and participation processes * Tailor made participatory training programmes * Organising and facilitating training courses, workshops and conferences * Developing creative ways to enable maximum participation and individual and group development. * Networking and partnerships * Voluntary and community sector organisational development * Capacity building with a range of stakeholders * Strategic planning and assessment processes * Writing and producing reports, training manuals and other publications * Developing community development learning resources and opportunities COGS managed the Yorkshire & Humber Empowerment Partnership, a programme funded for 4 years by the Government to improve the quality, co-ordination and evidence of empowerment in the region.