Consultation and engagement plan
In September we concluded one of our most extensive and in-depth consultation and engagement exercises, capturing the views and insights of local residents, service and facility users, community groups and other key stakeholders on service delivery, property proposals and alternative options.
Variety of activities
Our joint engagement activities included:
- An online survey and Easy Read version – completed by over 1900 individuals and community groups
- Face-to-face community drop-in engagement events in 19 communities and at the Border Union Show – attended by over 800 people
- Suggestion boxes available in Live Borders facilities – over 800 comment cards completed
- 21 direct engagement events with identified key community groups and stakeholders, such as community councils, town teams and development trusts
- Youth engagement through events, activities and a dedicated survey – input received from over 1300 individuals
These events were supported by our senior management team and that of Live Borders, in addition to the Joint Transformational Change Programme project team and our Communities and Partnerships service.
The aim of the consultation and engagement activities was to understand more fully the usage of facilities and services, the impact of potential alternative arrangements and support the identification of other possible options.
Discussions with community centre management committees and other key community stakeholder groups also explored the level of interest and capacity for increased community control and potential for community asset transfer.
Live Borders also conducted a staff survey to gauge staff views on the Integratis proposals.
The responses, suggestions and data received will directly influence the recommendations to be put to Council in November.
We would like to put on record our thanks to all those who took time to contribute.