In Practice: Embedding community voice in BMSDC’s corporate strategy
About the project
We supported Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils in developing a new joint corporate plan to guide their priorities and activities over the next eight years. Central to this work was a commitment to meaningful engagement with staff, elected members, partners, and communities. By embedding participation throughout the planning process, the councils aimed not only to shape a more inclusive and representative corporate plan but also to lay stronger foundations for long-term civic engagement.
Who we worked with
Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils, in collaboration with Just Ideas
How we did it
- Designed and delivered a blended engagement approach, combining digital input via the CitizenLab (now Go Vocal) platform with targeted, in-person community engagement through local VCSE organisations and networks
- Facilitated in-person community sessions, using creative and inclusive methods to reach a diverse range of residents and communities of place and interest
- Ran partner workshops using participatory techniques to shape the shared vision, identify strengths, and explore enabling conditions for success
- Supported staff and elected members through a series of online engagement activities, including Extended Leadership Team (ELT) roundtables and workshops with staff and members to generate input and build ownership
- Led interactive consensus-building workshops with ELT and cabinet members to test and refine emerging priorities and shape the overarching values and missions of the new corporate plan
What was achieved
- A refreshed clear and strong narrative for the council strategic plan, which was informed by local communities, partners and staff, including seldom heard voices from our communities
- Outline of key priority areas for the district council with community feedback embedded at the core
- Built internal capacity through a ‘train the trainer’ approach, offering shadowing opportunities, reflective learning sessions, and practical tools to embed engagement practices for future use
Working with New Local enabled us to have a much deeper conversation with our communities, engaging with people and groups who may not usually be heard when developing new corporate plans. The skills and expertise from New Local and their partner Just Ideas enabled us to have this meaningful engagement, that was approachable and relevant for different groups. This helped ensure our new corporate strategy considered the voices of more people across our communities.
Jo Hobbs, Head of Strategic Policy, Babergh District Council and Mid Suffolk District Council – Working Together
Find out more
Image credit: Babergh District Council and Mid Suffolk District Councils
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