Community Engagement Policy

Draft for approval

Introduction

This document sets out how Stourport Town Council communicates with their community.

The Council is committed to working with the community to provide high level services.  It is recognised the need to ensure all members of the community are involved.  All will be encouraged to participate fully in decision making, by listening, acting on feedback and keeping people informed about the town council’s activities and local issues.

There will be a need to engage with the following:

  • Residents of the town
  • Clubs and organisations
  • Harder to reach groups such as disabled people, senior residents
  • Schools
  • Businesses
  • Landowners
  • Other councils
  • Police

To communicate information clearly and concisely:

  • Website/Social Media Reports
  • Council owned notice boards
  • Publication of all meeting agendas/minutes on website
  • Publication of annual report
  • Councillor surgeries
  • Attendance by councillors at community events
  • Regular use of council’s logo identification

Increase local democracy and citizenship by:

  • Encouraging residents to attend town council meetings and make their views known via the public forum.
  • Encouraging residents to attend the annual parish meeting.
  • Seeking the views of harder to reach groups such as the young.
  • Running public consultations and encouraging people to take part.
  • Visit schools to explain the role of the town council.
  • Hold public meetings on important local issues.
  • Explain role of local councillors and encourage people to stand in local elections.
  • Promote services and amenities provided by the town council.

To listen and react to local people’s views and understand their needs by:

  • Analysing comments made during public forums at council meetings.
  • Analysing results of surveys and consultations and act on them accordingly.
  • Making the council available and approachable to the local community.
  • Taking note of comments received from the public in phone calls, correspondence (either letter or email) and via social media.

To raise the profile of the town council and its reputation by:

  • Appointing town council representatives to local organisations.
  • Hold town council surgeries.
  • Encourage town councillors to attend local events and community meetings.
  • Publication of meeting agendas and minutes on the council website and provision of hard copies where required.
  • Publication of an annual report.
  • Host and organise the annual town council meeting.
  • React positively to feedback from residents.
  • Ensure councillors adhere to the Code of Conduct.

To support our councillors and staff in their role of community leadership by:

  • Encouraging regular attendance at training and briefing events.
  • Provision of necessary equipment.
  • Provision of induction pack for new councillors.
  • Regular updates on new legislation and other relevant matters.