a. Community Engagement

Many (parish and town) councils appreciate that in order to be effective they must communicate well and engage effectively with the communities they serve. 

When local councils ensure that people are well-informed about their services and values, they are much more likely to build trust and a strong reputation. In turn, communities will have confidence in the decisions of their local councils and take pride in their accomplishments. These are the foundation for building sustainable communities.

Community engagement involves listening to and understanding people’s views on issues that impact the community and can take many forms, depending on the goals, audience, and available resources. 

Face-to-face

• Public Meetings & Forums – Hosting open discussions on community issues.

• Workshops & Focus Groups – Gathering targeted feedback on specific topics.

• Community Events & Festivals – Engaging people in a casual, social setting.

• Volunteering Opportunities – Encouraging community participation in projects.

Digital & Online 

• Social Media Platforms – Using Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or LinkedIn for updates and discussions.

• Community Websites & Blogs – Providing news, resources, and announcements.

• Email Newsletters – Keeping residents informed about local issues and events.

• Online Surveys & Polls – Collecting feedback and opinions on key matters.   Some survey providers include: Survey Monkey, Microsoft Forms and Typeform.

Printed & Traditional Media

• Community Newsletters & Bulletins – Distributing information in print or online.

• Local Newspapers & Radio – Reaching wider audiences through media partnerships.

• Flyers & Posters – Promoting events and initiatives in public spaces.

Collaborative Engagement

• Partnerships with Local Organisations – Working with schools, churches, and businesses.

• Advisory Committees – Involving residents in decision-making processes.   For example, Neighbourhood Planning, Parish Plans, Energy Projects or increase of precept.

Direct Outreach

• Drop-in Sessions – Providing informal opportunities for engagement.

SALC partners with Breakthrough Communications, who support parish and town councils nationwide through their Council Hive service, offering advice, resources, training, and guidance on community engagement.   Link to Council Hive 

Breakthrough Communications has also compiled their 10 Top Tips to help local councils improve their communication with communities.