Community Engagement Strategy - Wolverhampton Partnership

ThemeCreating the rightenvironmentPrinciple• Preparation – adequate planning and preparationbefore undertaking the activity. Providing appropriatetime and information to enable participants tocontribute effectively.• Selecting methods that are appropriate to thepurpose of the initiative.• Feedback – ensuring feedback is given aboutpeopleʼs involvement and the outcomes of theircontribution within an agreed timescale.• Monitor, review and evaluate – public involvementdevelopments using a range of methods e.g.community evaluatorsThemePrincipleCommunity Engagement StrategyThe engagementprocess• Honesty – about expectations or the constraints ofthe activity.• Active listening – service providers really hearingwhat people have to say and respondingappropriately to their interests, concerns, ideas andneeds. Being open to influence.• Recognition – through the use of incentives, forexample, the opportunity to gain qualifications.• Support – identifying what is required to enable localpeople, community groups, service users and staff tofunction effectively as partners. This may includeproducing information in a variety of formats, trainingand access to resources or interpretation.• Flexibility – allowing sufficient time and space toensure participants are able to contribute effectively.• Respect – for people involved in the activity and theskills, knowledge and experience that they bring withthem.• Open, accountable and transparent – about theprocesses of involvement.09