Community consultation
Regeneration covers a wide remit. We are responsible for overseeing the production of a wide range of plans, proposals and policies ranging from area focussed environmental improvement projects to borough wide planning policies and documents as well as deciding planning applications. Therefore there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to how, and indeed who, we consult. In some cases we are bound by nationally established standards (covering how we consult on planning applications and the preparation of ‘statutory’ planning documents) but in other cases, we have more discretion in terms of how and who we consult.
However, regardless of what type of plan, proposal or policy we are preparing or planning application we are seeking people’s views on, we are committed to offering opportunities for our communities and partners to have a say and influence.
This commitment underpins our approach to consultation, which is based on the Council’s Corporate Consultation Strategy and other relevant adopted involvement strategies including the Statement of Community Involvement and the Walsall Borough Strategic Partnership’s (WBSP) Engagement Strategy.
What is consultation?
The term consultation can mean different things to different people. The terms cover a wide range of activities, all of which seek to enable communities and partners to influence future plans, proposals and policies that may affect their lives, and the services and facilities they use and rely upon.
Why do we do it?
By consulting effectively with our communities and others with a stake in the future of our borough, Regeneration can:
- obtain valuable feedback about our plans, proposals and policies, to enable us to ensure they meet the needs of all of Walsall’s diverse communities and the requirements of our partners in terms of delivery
- tap into local knowledge and experience and pick up new ideas
- build confidence and trust through dialogue with local communities
- build a public understanding of the constraints and other issues facing Regeneration, the wider Council and the borough
- help strengthen local democratic processes
Our principles
Our approach to consultation is based on achieving the following principles:
- Targeting communities that have not traditionally had their say
- Sharing information and expertise, pooling partner resources, to reduce overload and duplication for communities and individuals
- Having clear objectives for consultation and to communicate clearly and openly about decisions and actions and the reasons for them.
- Consult using a range of flexible consultation techniques to avoid relying on one source or route
- Providing and distributing feedback to participants who have been involved in consultation
Our techniques
We will use a range of techniques to suit both the targeted audience and the type of plan, proposal or policy. These include:
- Using the website for communicating information and the submission of responses to consultations
- Local media
- Leaflets and mail outs
- Walsall Pride
- Information in the community including locations such as libraries and community centres
- Questionnaires & Surveys
- One to one or group interviews
- Focus groups and workshops
- Visioning exercises
- Meetings
- Exhibitions, interactive displays and road shows
Useful documents
- Statement of Community Involvement
- Walsall Borough Strategic Partnership’s (WBSP) Engagement Strategy
Contact us
Regeneration directorate
2nd Floor, Civic Centre
Darwall Street
Walsall
WS1 1DG