Issue - meetings

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 confirmed that a broad range of over one hundred community groups had been engaged with as part of the consultation process and approximately seven hundred had been contacted.  The Chair suggested members of the Board should advise the Head of Corporate Policy if there were any additional organisations that should also be consulted with.

In response to a query as to whether an Equalities Impact Assessment had been undertaken the Board was advised that this was being progressed. However, it was being complied in two stages and would not be completed until the Action Plan had been drafted.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.