1. Introduction
This document sets out how the parish council will seek to engage with all
sectors of the parish by encouraging participation in consultations and decision
making to improve services, create an active and informed community and help
in the shaping of the future of Wadhurst.
In a guide note on Quality Councils issued by the National Association of Local Councils (2008), community engagement is defined as ‘giving local people a voice …it is about development of relationships and clear communication to deliver better services and projects’.
2. The Community
Wadhurst is a large rural parish within the district of Wealden.
There are over 200 shops and businesses, in excess of 50 groups and societies, a range of educational provision, medical services, churches and Fire Service/Police representation. A population of 5057 was recorded for the parish in the 2001 census (National Statistics, online).
Wadhurst Parish Council aims to works closely with residents, businesses,
schools, voluntary organisations and other groups to achieve shared goals and
ambitions.
All previously mentioned groups are collectively referred to as ‘community’
within this document.
3. Aims and objectives of community engagement and how these will
be achieved
Wadhurst Parish Council will use various methods to work towards achieving
the following aims and objectives:
3.1 To include all sectors of the community and encourage their active
participation.
This will be achieved through:
Encouraging attendance at the Annual Parish Meeting and all committee and full
meetings of the council.
Liaising with young people through Uplands Community College.
Supporting partnership arrangements to promote a more cohesive community.
Appointing representatives from Wadhurst Tennis Club and Junior Football Club
to sit on the Recreation Ground Management Committee.
Involving community organisations in decision making on matters in which they
have an interest.
3.2 To ensure that councillors maximise their role as elected members
and engage with the community in an effective manner.
This will achieved through:
Encouraging members of the community to attend council meetings and providing
an opportunity to address members (12(2) of the Code of Conduct).
Council representation on groups and organisations.
3.3 To communicate information to the community clearly, factually and
appropriately.
This will achieved through:
The production of an Annual Report summarising activities and income/expenditure.
Publishing the Annual Report by 30th June and making it available to all members
of the community.
Displaying agendas, Minutes, planning and other relevant information on the
noticeboard and website.
The Publication Scheme under the Freedom of Information Act.
Regular newsletters providing a summary of council activities; one newsletter
to be sent to all households each year. Providing information in Focus.
3.4 To engage in consultations on new projects and areas affecting the
community.
This will be achieved through:
Making the community aware of consultations through newsletters, articles in
The Courier, the website and noticeboard.
Using a variety of methods of consultation including online functions.
Working with the community to find solutions to local issues.
3.5 To raise the awareness and reputation of the council.
This will be achieved through:
Reporting achievements in The Courier and newsletters.
Promoting local democracy and encouraging residents to stand for election.
Supporting training of councillors and staff.
3.6 To provide access to the council through various methods.
This will be achieved through:
Councillors being available to members of the community; contact details provided
on the noticeboard, website, newsletters and Annual Report.
Telephone and email communication to the Clerk during normal working hours
and appointments by arrangement.
Providing a facility on the website whereby members of the public can leave
comments and ask questions.
4. Measuring success
The success of the engagement with the community will be measured by the response
to consultations, attendance at the parish meeting and participation in local
projects and events.
Adopted 8.07.10.