Generally, as citizens we are happy to get involved and share our views on issues that affect us. However, partnerships, like Local Service Boards, struggle with this and this is no different for Swansea’s LSB. Here are three suggestions your partnership might want to think about
The Public Engagement Scrutiny Inquiry Panel questioned how Swansea’s Local Service Board can be better at involving us to share our views, ideas and opinions. Participation Cymru, the relevant Cabinet Member and the Welsh Government, some heavy hitters in the world of public engagement, all agreed that it could be done. It was the “how” it could be done that was the subject of debate at the panel meeting.
Here are three ideas
Give it a public face
Educate the public. Through your digital and other communication channels publicise why your partnership exists, what it does, what it’s achieved and what it hopes to achieve.
Make it relevant
If an issue affects people they will happily lend you their voices. Not all issues are suited to public engagement and not everyone has the desire to be involved. Narrow the focus of consultation to stimulate engagement from particular groups that have something to contribute and want to contribute something on a specific issue.
Make it accessible
Make it easy for people to be involved. Use existing networks and mechanisms to provide ways for people to be involved and don’t re-invent the wheel. If it’s tried and tested, use it!
These ideas that came out of the panel’s discussions yesterday were certainly not new but interested the panel and made for a great debate and discussion. The panel will pay close attention to this and other evidence when it comes to its final report and recommendations in the Spring next year.
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