Engaging with your community can help to:
- strengthen services to better fit the needs of users and have higher levels of customer satisfaction
- reduce inequalities
- provide an opportunity for people have their say in council matters such as housing and planning
- make communities safer and stronger
- give greater local ownership of council services
- improve local reputation
- build community cohesion and collaboration
- give residents the ability to help themselves and each other
We have suggested 5 key aims to help you engage with your community:
- to put community involvement at the centre of everything you do
- to strive for a broad representation of your residents consider how to make sure Youth Voice is also heard.
- to be honest, open and transparent with your community ensuring there is easy access to clear and relevant information
- to make sure that the views, needs, expectations and outcomes of engagement activities are used to inform the decision-making processes.
- to listen to your community and give feedback to participants about outcomes of engagement activities.
You can engage with your community through:
- social media
- leaflets and newsletters
- posters
- information stalls
- news releases
- questionnaires and surveys
- focus groups
- community-led events
- round table workshops
- asking for feedback on written plans, policies and strategies
- community projects
If you are planning a community project or event please look at our example risk assessment form [PDF, 0.1MB] [PDF, 0.1MB] and example venue access checklist form [PDF, 0.1MB] [PDF, 0.1MB]. You can also read our planning a community event page for more tips and advice.