Local Government Association

Done badly, consultation and engagement can fall into the trap of disproportionately involving those who are keenly motivated or find it easy to engage.

The role of representing or serving a group of several thousand local people is complex because of the patterns of change in social and political life in recent decades.

As this refresh and previous versions of New Conversations guides show, the context within which local authorities have to carry out community engagement is always changing. As such, we want to see this as a dynamic and evolving guide to make sure you are supported to meet the needs of your communities.

As well as direct relationships between councils and the community, high levels of trust can also benefit relations between different groups within the community.

When engaging the public, local authorities want to hear from residents who reflect the full perspectives, knowledge and identities of their communities.

COVID-19 changed how we live, work and communicate. During the crisis, local authorities engaged with communities at an unprecedented level and pace.

We are calling for a co-produced, national workforce strategy alongside action to improve terms and conditions.

The LGA convened four online workshops with local authority attendees. They aimed to support councils with their climate change action plans. The main purpose of the sessions was to provide local authorities with a safe space to share their views, challenges, and successes in relation to the development and implementation of their action plans.