Innovation Explored: Developing local democratic working with communities
Many councils are finding that traditional mechanisms of democratic engagement are struggling to engage people, even when communities care passionately about the issues in their local area.
At this Innovation Exchange we explored some of the underlying conditions that support better democratic engagement, and some practical examples that councils are making work.
Key practical insights
Here are some of the top insights from the discussion between council officers from across the UK:
Trust-building needs to be ongoing: In order to encourage constructive engagement on flashpoint issues, there needs to be an underlying basis of trust in the local authority, and between residents. This can’t be mobilised quickly on demand, so councils need to invest in trust-building on an ongoing basis. This can happen through ongoing outreach to build relationships, enabling two-way communication between residents and officers, and creating small, incremental positive experiences over time.
Go where people are: One of the most powerful ways to engage residents is to build on the existing relationships, networks and organisations which already exist – whether with community groups, faith organisations, or other parts of the council. Consider what trusted people and organisations should play a key part in making meaningful connections with residents about issues that matter, and aim to build links in the places and forums which are already vibrant with activity.
One size doesn’t fit all: It’s important to offer a mix of formats for democratic engagement including digital, in-person and written materials. As the way that residents prefer to receive information is so diverse, feel confident to experiment with different formats and see what mix works best locally.
An inside expert
Carly Walker-Dawson is the Director of Capacity Building and Standards at Involve and shared her experience of fostering effective public participation in decision-making. Some key highlights:
- “You’ve got to ask why people are opting out?……..The biggest things that we hear from residents is that there isn’t a point in taking part……because decisions have already been made…..People can see through this”
- “People are juggling jobs and childcare and different responsibilities and so to engage is actually a luxury, so think about how you can incentivise people to come along? If it’s not working, switch it up……How can you make it different and exciting for people to come along.”
- “What issues do local people want a say on?……..Ask them! It will be really different in different geographies, and even within areas.”
Useful resources
- Explore some of New Local’s practice-led thinking on local democratic working, including examples of different approaches: Democratic Dreaming: How to Shake the Dust off Area Forums – New Local
- Involve describes a wide range of the methods you can use to foster better participation: Methods | Involve
- Cambridge Council’s Shaping Abbey Pilot offers one example of how tackling a specific issue in one local area can be tackled through a broader approach of relationship-building and changing the nature of conversations: Shaping Abbey – Cambridge City Council
The Innovation Series
Innovation Exchanges give participants from our member councils a space to step away from day-to-day activities and engage with peers from across the country. Each session addresses a big challenge or opportunity facing councils and their communities. Sessions are peer-led and practically-focused, so participants come away insights, ideas and learning to share with their teams.
Innovation Explored series feature a write-up of the core points from the Innovation Exchange, alongside practical learning from councils and other experts pioneering new approaches to tackling today’s biggest challenges. Each Innovation Explored also shares a roundup of relevant resources from the sector and beyond.
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