Community Network Panels Setting Priorities and Engaging with the Community

Context Review of CNPs (completed Spring 2014) Progress on recommendations: RecommendationProgress All Panels open to public/mediaImplemented (Oct. 2014) Access to Information principles followedImplemented (Oct. 2014) At least one formal meeting a year (AGM)Most of this year’s AGMs have been held now Annual schedules of meetings agreedIn place in most areas CNPs to agree local prioritiesIn progress CNPs to consider engagement plansIn progress Further review of CNPsAutumn 2015

Priorities Review recommendation: CNPs should facilitate work to agree local priorities with a view to influencing Cornwall-wide strategies, and local service delivery mechanisms/projects CNPs can decide how to go about setting these (some have already begun this process) The agreed priorities will be reported to Cabinet/Portfolio Advisory Committees

Priorities: Suggested approach Start with a simple list/process so priorities can be fed back - and the CNP’s influence felt – at an early stage (Example: Liskeard & Looe’s discussion is with Members/local councils in the first instance) As and if required, develop this into a more detailed, medium to long term plan (Example: Liskeard & Looe will then consult more widely on its simple list in an ongoing process)

Priorities: Suggested Approach (2) CNPs will need to be remain robust and persistent in progressing their priorities… …but they also need to be remain realistic about how far they can address local issues and influence policy/strategy This approach will enable them to be effective community champions and avoid raising expectations unduly

Choosing priorities (1) In deciding whether to adopt proposed priorities, CNPs may wish to assess how much influence they are likely to have on progressing them: Direct influence? (e.g. a project they can work together on within the CNA) Indirect influence? (e.g. an issue they need to lobby on by contacting an external agency) (Direct or indirect) A minimal or substantial influence? Or no realistic influence at all?

Choosing priorities (2) - examples Priorities proposed to a fictional CNP for consideration Assessment (i) Several amenity areas across CNA need brightening up Direct influence (high) e.g. Panel can work with schools to design murals to improve areas (ii) Community concerns re need for improvements on major road to improve capacity/safety Indirect influence (medium) e.g. CNP can lobby/engage with CC/Highways Agency (iii) New major housing and shopping development proposed in CNA – no consultation to date Direct influence (high) – Panel can host community consultation and feedback views (iv) Concern re licensing hours given popularity of local towns as night-time destination Indirect influence (low) – Panel can express view but would require change in legislation

Engagement Review recommendation: CNPs are encouraged to increase engagement with local councils and communities if required and develop an annual engagement plan CNPs can decide how to go about doing this Guidance follows and action plan template is available

Engagement Plan: suggested aims Ensure role of CNPs is clear to everyone Encourage people to attend, and ensure meetings are open and accessible Set out communication methods (e.g. website, digital and social media, noticeboards, media) Set out any special arrangements for enabling people to have their say at or via CNPs (e.g. some Panels have a Question Time at meetings)

Engagement Plans: suggested approach Get simple plan in place quickly and then develop further as required The basics are already in place:  Panel meetings are open to the public  Agendas are on the website/available at One Stop Shops Localism service is under review - revised support arrangements for CNPs will be in place by end of the year Opportunity to pilot different approaches if Panels wish to do so

Engagement: Communication channels A variety of channels can be employed at the CNP’s discretion, including: Media releases Leaflets/posters CC website Presentations Public events Town & Parish Council newsletters/noticeboards Social media (e.g. Facebook/Twitter)

Engagement: Key audiences These include: Members and local Councils Residents Representative groups e.g. Residents Associations Local voluntary and community sector groups Businesses CC staff/other public sector employees Panels must also consider the diversity of their communities

Engagement: ideas for consideration (1) OptionNotes Question & Answer Session e.g. at beginning of meeting For Panel and/or general public: NB: CNPs should focus on issues that impact the whole CNA/a significant part of it. A mechanism will be needed to refer single area questions/issues to the relevant Parish/Town Council/CC Member/s where appropriate Focus GroupInvite target audience to attend to explore a particular topic in depth (can be particularly effective for groups who may not ordinarily attend)

Engagement: ideas for consideration (2) OptionNotes “Piggy back” existing meetingsTake an issue to a group of people who are already meeting so you can talk to them in their comfort zone e.g. Mum and Toddlers Group, over 50s forum Reaching “harder to reach” audiences Consulting at a homelessness crisis day centre, working with partners such as Addaction “Commissioning” schools and colleges to carry out consultation on behalf of the CNA College students may be perceived as more approachable than Members/officers

Engagement: ideas for consideration (3) Options Give people opportunity to request agenda items (at discretion of Chair – perhaps via CC Members/local councils); items would have to affect the CNA and be within the CNP’s power to influence Hold networking sessions for stakeholders (e.g. Members, local councils, public, CC officers, partner organisations) Hold themed meetings (to debate local issues/share learning e.g. on Neighbourhood Plans) Include slot for a local council, partner, community group to showcase their issues/explore joint working with CNP partners Conduct CNP surveys/polls – straw polls, “traditional” questionnaires, online polls via social media Try different meeting formats – e.g. “speed dating” discussions Vary meeting times; use imaginative venues to get wider audience Encourage Members/attendees to blog/tweet about the CNP’s work!