Introduction VocalEyes is an advanced participation and engagement, community decision making process for use by any group, business or community. In any type of organisation, VocalEyes can help turn ideas into action. The outcome is a stronger organisation which is more effective and more resilient. The VocalEyes process is powerful and innovative, combining both online (digital) and offline (face-to-face) means. VocalEyes invigorates the organisation, creating a culture of positivity and shared endeavour, of participative engagement and learning – thus improving motivation and communication within the organisation and also in its dealings with others. It does this by providing an open, transparent means for promoting ‘vocalisation’ of ideas, and for deliberating, deciding, and progressing the best of these into meaningful actions which are supported across the organisation. Ideas can be generated at any level – top-down or bottom-up – so facilitating both consultation and empowerment.

Pembrokeshire Case Study We’ve been developing the website over the last two years using student feedback to improve the layout and usability of the site and we’re developing a new strategy to integrate VocalEyes within the course rep system from September. As well as utilising VocalEyes through Learner Voice, Staff Voice has also been created to increase staff participation. At present the College has a Learner Voice focus group featuring several managers from SMT. The group meets on a fortnightly basis to look at the current ‘trending’ ideas on the site and discuss how to take them forward. Any actions which arise from these meetings are recorded on the VocalEyes site alongside the idea that prompted the discussion. It is important to have this 2-way communication even if an idea can’t be taken any further due to prohibitive cost, impracticalities etc It has really taken off in this time and has been recognised by Estyn which has nominated it as sector leading practice (‘The effectiveness of learner-involvement strategies in further education institutions and Welsh for adult centres – July 2013’). Over the next year, with the support of staff we are confident of making Learner Voice & Staff Voice more effective.

Vision