Siobhan Samson Community Engagement Coordinator Scotland

DEVELOPMENT WITH CARE Q: What does Development with Care Mean? Previous Practice Origin Development Current Practice Future relevance to our business Communication Strategies

Origin “…..At Banks we do care. By their very nature, our development activities can make a significant impact on the environment and on the life of local communities. We are committed to treating both with respect. At Banks we develop with flair. And - most importantly I believe - with care.” Harry Banks Banks Brochure circa 1989/90

Environmental Policy 1993 Our Commitment to the Environment We recognise that our activities have the potential to make a significant impact on both the environment and the local community, and it is our responsibility to minimise any adverse effects. Throughout our company’s history we have been committed to a policy of developing with care.

Banks in the Community 2002 ‘Development with Care’ describes how we deal with people…..we adhere to best practice… and encourage community participation….we look for opportunities to make a real difference and to provide lasting benefits…

Banks Developments Core Values Corporate Social Responsibility Profit from work that benefits others

How do we Engage?

Communication

Public Exhibitions

Press Conferences and Launches

Trade and County Shows

Liaison Committees and Community Engagement Panels

Working with Schools, and Colleges

Community Surveys

Environmental Audits

Providing Community Benefits

Involving the Community in Environmental Improvements

Providing New Sports Facilities

‘ DEVELOPMENT WITH CARE’ means: Developing open channels for communication with local community and other stakeholders Being transparent with regard to environmental and planning issues Ensuring that schemes bring forward benefits for the environment, for society and the community Look for opportunities to involve the community in making key decisions regarding local development proposals

Develop ment with Care - our USP?

Where does Development with Care start? Project strategy development –What issues are already identified in Government policies/documents? –How will the project affect the local community, environment and other stakeholders? –How will the project benefit the local community and other stakeholders? –What level of communication/community involvement is needed?

A Communications Strategy Objective Key Messages Methods of communication - what is appropriate? Communications Plan –timescale, audience (stakeholders), message, responsibility

Who are the stakeholders? Local authority Members Local authority officers RDA Community groups Local residents Businesses Statutory consultees Potential customers Joint venture partners

How do you find out who to communicate with? The Internet Other organisations Local information points Official documentation

When? THROUGHOUT THE PROJECT Pre-planning/IPPC During planning/IPPC Post planning/IPPC Post-development

Ongoing Approach To be strategic - Community Relations should be recognised as being as important as technical issues or the project budget Develop a communications strategy for every project - whatever the level of communication Plan proactive media relations in advance Prepare answers to the FAQ’s More info at