Issue - meetings

A presentation will be given.

The Board received a report and presentation setting out the role of the new Community Engagement Framework (CEF) and how it was being developed.

It was noted that there were three key reasons for establishing a CEF:

• To reaffirm the HSP’s commitment to community engagement
• To promote and share partnership understanding of principles and community engagement
• To identify and prioritise areas for development

There were several national and local drivers for forming the CEF including the Local Government and Involvement in Public Health Act and Local Area Agreement (LAA) targets.

The Board was advised that the HSP Performance Management Group (PMG) had established a multi agency sub group to lead on the delivery of the CEF. 

The first phase of the consultation process had now concluded and the second phase was due to commence on 5 March. This would include publishing the consultation document on the Council’s website and circulating this Voluntary Sector groups for feedback. A questionnaire would also be circulated as part of this seeking specific comments in relation to the vision, definition and principles of the CEF. 

During the second phase a each of the Thematic Boards would also be provided with an opportunity to discuss and comment on the draft CEF.

It was noted that the third phase of the consultation process would take place in the Autumn and would focus primarily on the development of the Action Plan.

Members of the Board representing community groups were encouraged to complete the online questionnaire and the Board was advised that this closed on 21 April.

The Board discussed the CEF and it was noted that engagement and empowerment were particularly relevant to the Well-Being agenda. Effective engagement with communities could offer real health benefits and help address health inequalities and it was contended that this should be a primary driver for the CEF.  

It was suggested it would be useful if the ‘Making a Positive Contribution’ sub-group looked at ways of linking into the CEF.

In response to a query the Board was advised that the list of suggested engagement mechanisms was not exhaustive and was intended to provide a ‘snap shot’ rather than a list of the types actions being taken to engage with the local community.

It was noted that although the CEF provided a framework for engagement it may not be obvious to the public what it was intended to achieve and it was suggested that this may need to be more explicitly set out.

There was also agreement that there needed to be stronger collaboration between partners to ensure that duplication was minimised and that existing mechanisms for engagement were used as effectively as possible.

RESOLVED:

1. That the report and presentation be noted.

2. That the points raised above be taken forward by the Head of Corporate Policy.