Principles Of Community Engagement

Our Principles of Community Engagement are summarised as follows:

  1. Planning (Clear and Agreed Purposes)

    We will be clear about:

    • The purpose of involving you

    We will make sure that:

    • There is a genuine need to involve you
    • You are kept up to date once involved

  2. Approach (Co-ordinated Approach)

    We will do all that we can to make sure that where possible:

    • Organisations do not carry out the same or similar pieces of work
    • You are jointly asked for help by partner organisations

  3. Timing

    We will try to make sure that when you are involved:

    • You have enough time to discuss the subject and consider your response and/or involvement
    • Circumstances that could make it difficult for you to be involved are avoided
    • If we cannot achieve this you are told why

  4. Open and Honest

    When we ask you for your involvement we will make sure that:

    • You know why
    • You are aware of how you will impact decisions and/or choices made
    • Why and if your involvement and/or views will have a limited affect

  5. All of Thurrock Matters (Inclusive)

    We will always try to make sure that:

    • It is clear whether you can take part or not - and if not it is explained why
    • The reasons for you not having been involved before are examined
    • The circumstances that prevented you from being involved are considered and acted upon

  6. Communication (Inform and Communicate Effectively)

    We will make sure that whenever we ask for your involvement:

    • Information supplied is clear and understandable
    • Advice is sought on the best way to communicate with you
    • Whether you are taking part is monitored
    • The methods used to contact and involve you are the most appropriate

  7. How you have helped (Providing Feedback)

    As a result of your involvement we will ensure that:

    • You are informed of what has happened
    • You are able to access this information easily
    • The best methods for communicating this information to you are used

  8. Right to Ask Questions (Right to Challenge)

    When decisions and choices made are based on the information you have supplied and/or your involvement:

    • You will be given the opportunity to say what you think
    • You will have the opportunity to question decisions and choices made

  9. Measuring Success

    When involving you we will:

    • Look at how successful we have been
    • If we have not been successful, do our best to find out why this is
    • Check that these Principles have been used - and if not find out why

  10. Lessons Learnt

    If we have had a good response from you or something worked well we will:

    • Try to make sure that the reasons for this are used in the future

    If we have had a poor response from you or something did not work so well we will:

    • Try to find out why this is to improve how you are involved next time

  11. Sharing Success and Failure (Best Practice)

    When we experience success or failure we will:

    • Inform other organisations to help them improve how they involve you

Download Principles of Community Engagement

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