Draft framework for better local participation
This draft framework outlines the areas by which we will measure meaningful public participation, ensuring transparency, inclusiveness, and accountability in decision-making processes involving local people. It provides guidelines and practical tools to engage the community effectively while embedding the new public participation commitments we have created together into actionable steps.
Vision and purpose
- The framework is aligned with the Council’s constitution and the new public participation commitments
Flexible tools and approaches that match need
- We are clear at the start of a public involvement exercise how we will involve relevant stakeholders and what type of participation is sought, such as information, consultation or co-design
- The number and variety of ways the council engages with the local people (including through surveys, meetings, forums, co-design workshops, local deliberation forums) is measured and reported
- All levels of public participation from communication to co-production are used with residents where relevant
- The number of responses and how representative they are of local people are published
- Reports of consultation fatigue from local people reduce
Accessibility measures
- Materials used are accessible in multiple formats and languages when requested
- Accessible physical and digital engagement activities run regularly with online and in-person the norm
- Technology is used not just to consult, but so participation is more interactive, accessible, and ongoing
Transparent reporting
- We publish all consultations in one place on the Council’s Consultation Hub with notifications in place
- There are regular updates and clear evidence of community input into Key Decision Reports
- We publish Key Performance Indicators on how we are meeting and delivering on these public participation commitments
- A list of who works in the organisation and their responsibilities from Chief Executive to Heads of Services is published on our website
- Public participation is referenced in staff performance management plans and objectives where relevant
- We work with scrutiny to look at the biggest council decisions coming up annually, so we can check if the organisation’s participation levels are sufficiently inclusive and fulfil our public participation commitments
Closing the feedback loop
- We communicate with participants on how feedback was considered and influenced the outcome
- We publish ‘You Said, We Did’ statements for all consultations
- There is clarity when the council doesn’t act on a majority view given from a consultation, and why this is
Feedback channels
- There is regular use of these different channels by local people and sentiment tells us they are useful
- There are varied, accessible ways that local people can input and be heard by decision-makers
Capacity building for the council and local people
- We publish our updated rewards and recognition guidance for public involvement, recognising no one should be out of pocket for public involvement
- An updated consultation and participation toolkit is published and adopted across the Council
- Training for staff and councillors is rolled out
- There is signposting to projects promoting resident participation at a neighbourhood level
- New category for public participation introduced to annual staff awards
Performance metrics
- We will share the resident oversight group’s annual report with Scrutiny, so together we can review and assess whether participation is at the right level and properly adjusted for different situations and needs
- We track engagement activities to measure the reach and impact of our public participation commitments
- We carry out a review of these public participation commitments by 2031 to ensure they remain relevant and fit for purpose
How will we know we’ve been successful?
- Clear communication and widespread awareness of the new public participation commitments
- Core business for officers, councillors and those we work with in the community
- Compliance and monitoring mean we can measure the improvements
- Scrutiny are satisfied that public participation is taking place at the right level across different council decisions
- It feels different for residents to get involved in influencing council decisions and shaping services