38 Engagement Policy 2021-22 PDF 550 KB
Minutes:
The Deputy Mayor and Executive Member for
Culture and Communities and the Director of Legal and Governance Services
submitted a report for the Executive’s consideration. The purpose of the report
was to seek approval of a proposed corporate Engagement Policy for 2021-22.
The proposed revised engagement policy (see
Appendix 1 of the submitted report) provided a framework further developing the
Council’s approach, building on work undertaken with communities prior to and
during the pandemic, including the locality working pilots. It supported the
‘Quality of Service’ strategic priority of the Council’s Strategic Plan and was
aligned with the corporate value of collaboration.
The principal aim of the policy was for the
Council’s service to take an ‘asset-based’ approach to engagement, working with
Middlesbrough’s people and its communities and the Council’s partners to
recognise strengths and from those increase independence and self-reliance over
time.
The policy planned to seek improvements, which
were outlined at paragraph 8 of the submitted report.
OPTIONS
Option 1:
No policy - There was no legal requirement for a corporate policy on public
engagement, however such a policy, its supporting procedures and guidance
provided a clear framework under which the Council’s officers could ensure that
engagement was consistent, effective and complied with the law. As such, that
option was not recommended.
Option 2:
Status quo - The Council could have decided to retain the current policy and
approach, which had been stated focused principally on formal consultations.
That would have maintained the current robust approach to consultation, but
would have seen more deliberative engagement activity evolve in an unplanned
and unlinked manner, if at all. As such, that option was not recommended.
Option 3:
Additional policy - The Council could have decided to retain the existing
policy and develop an additional policy in respect of deliberative engagement
approaches. That would have seen such approaches develop in a more planned
manner, but would not have provided for a consistent or joined-up approach
across engagement activity overall. As such, that option was not recommended.
ORDERED
That the
proposed Engagement Policy for 2021-22 be approved.
REASON
To
provide an enhanced framework for public engagement that was coherent and
effective, built trust with communities, ensured that the voices of communities
were heard in the Council’s decision-making and that the Council complied with
all legal duties relating to engagement and consultation.
That
‘single policy’ option provided the greatest level of assurance that the
Council would continue to meet its statutory obligations, and achieve its own
strategic ambitions in respect of public engagement, and was recommended on
that basis.