Agenda item
Engagement and Consultation Review
The Committee will receive a presentation on the findings from the Engagement and Consultation review.
Minutes:
The committee received a presentation from Genevie George (Partnership and Engagement Manager) on the community engagement review. It was emphasised that the review, currently underway, would be a thorough, root and branch review, supporting the development of a new vision for community engagement and achieving improved outcomes through stronger resident engagement and a focus on two way dialogue. This new vision would, in turn, be reflected in an expanded provision, responding to feedback on existing engagement channels and drawing on the council’s Digital Strategy to maximise online modes of engagement. The new vision would also reflect an enhanced alignment with the stronger communities agenda, working the voluntary sector to support community cohesion.
Genevie George introduced the committee to the role of the Partnerships and Engagement team and provided a detailed overview of the current provision and resources for engaging and consulting with residents. The committee heard that the review was currently moving into Phase 2, which, following the feedback from Phase 1 would encompass the development of an action plan to expand the review. Sharing the highlights from Phase 1 of the review, Genevie George advised that the outcomes had included the need to avoid duplication, the development of an online tool kit, better use of social medial, increasing the number of residents shaping services and enabling residents to be involved to achieve improved outcomes. It was envisaged that consultation on the Phase 2 action plan would be undertaken during May to July and, following that a report would be submitted to Cabinet later in the year, presenting a new Strategy for consideration and approval.
The Chair thanked Genevie George for her presentation and expressed that disappointment that the Lead Member was unable to attend the meeting to take part in the discussion.
Members expressed enthusiasm for a collaborative approach to engagement, in contrast to traditional consultation models and questioned how residents would be encouraged to participate in this approach. Members subsequently queried whether any external organisations with expertise in consultation would be engaged as part of the review. Further queries were raised regarding existing stakeholder management practice and how this interacted with the consultation strategy. The committee sought further detail about the funds available to support residents to engage with the council and community activities. It was queried how the council’s presence on social media was monitored. Queries were raised about how the council could encourage new people to attend meetings such as Brent Connects and how the invitation distribution lists for such meetings were managed. Further details were sought about the model used for the Voluntary Sector Liaison Forum.
In response to the queries raised Genevie George spoke on the benefits of a pre-consultation stage which followed a design process and allowed residents and stakeholders to discuss views and ideas without the constraints of an existing vision or set of ideas. This was a more vigorous and inclusive approach to consultation and had been utilised as part of a recent review of voluntary sector needs. Another important part of effective consultation was, however, being honest and transparent about the resources available. Genevie George further explained that Brent was in a fortunate position with regard to grant funds for residents and highlighted the success of the Love where you live campaign which provided small grants of £500 for local projects. There were a number of other funds accessible to residents and details of these could be circulated to members.
With regard to the community engagement review, Genevie George explained that an objective view would be sought from other organisations such as the Consultation Institute which had a good reputation for working with residents as well as other stakeholders and partners. The council’s stakeholder engagement practice was being revisited as part of the review to ensure a joined up approach with partners. Responding to the query regarding social media, Peter Gadsdon (Director, Performance, Policy and Partnerships) advised that the Communications team monitored most channels where the council might be discussed and there was software in place that would also identify this.
Addressing queries on Brent Connects and the Voluntary Sector Liaison Forum, Genevie George advised that it was important to look at what people wanted to achieve from the meetings and how residents could assume a greater role. It would be important to get more organisations involved and a number of ideas were being explored. However, it would be pre-emptive to highlight any one idea over another before the review had been completed. It was confirmed that invitations for Brent Connect events were sent preferably by email but also by post where no email address was provided. The Brent Connects distribution lists had expanded in recent years and these were refreshed every quarter. The Voluntary Sector Forum was being considered as part of the review and there was a desire for it to have a greater focus on actions. It was currently chaired by a member from the voluntary sector and the agenda was largely comprised of items from CVS Brent. The most recent meeting of this forum had been very well attended.
Members of the committee thanked Genevie George for the work being undertaken by her team and advised that members were eager to support the council in its efforts to promote meaningful engagement.
RESOLVED: That the Partnerships and Engagement Manager provide a briefing note on the work being undertaken to review the engagement strategy, along with the supporting action plan for circulation to the committee.