Decision details

The following comments were made regarding the report:

·           Every consultation exercise carried out by the Council should take account of the spirit of the principles contained in the Framework document, including consultation on statutory matters, such as planning documents;

·           The Framework document should pay regard to the need to balance the expectations of different parts of the community on consultation issues;

·           Some clearer Case Study examples of the good co-production between residents and partners in the design of new services should be included in the document, rather than simply focussing on the involvement of residents once a project had been established;

·           Reference should be made to the expectation that, for social value reasons, all contractors employed by the Council would be expected to adhere to the principles set out in the Framework document.

It was RESOLVED:

1.      That the draft Community Engagement Framework, as attached at Appendix A to the report, be noted.

2.      That the Strategic Director (MP), following consultation with the Portfolio Holders for Communities, Community Safety & Equalities and Neighbourhood & Co-operative Working, be delegated authority to finalise the Community Engagement Framework and arrange its publication.

3.      That the need for development of a related toolkit and training programme to support the effective implementation of the framework across council departments after final publication of the completed framework be noted.

Reason for Decision: As contained in report.

Other Options considered: As contained in report.