Provision of information is essential to people feeling empowered and able to influence services. We must seek to listen to, understand and communicate with our communities if we are to deliver high quality, appropriate services which meet need.
Informing ourselves
Before we do anything, we should inform ourselves. It is vital that we understand the information that we already have about our communities. What does the data, research and anecdotal information tell us? Have we taken it into account in our policy development? Have we undertaken Equality Impact Assessments? What does the information we have tell us about how we might reach out to and involve our communities?
Informing others
Local people and other potential service users should be kept well-informed about the opportunities on offer, how the services are funded, planned and delivered and how they can get involved or provide feedback.
Information for the public should be:
- Accessible – Ensure that information is easy to understand, widely available in a variety of formats and that its availability is publicised. Offering opportunities for face-to-face conversations via public meetings demonstrates commitment and openness.
- Transparent – Be open about how public money is spent, how decisions are made, how the organisation functions and how it is performing.
- Appropriate – Do not over-load people with large volumes of information. Exercise judgement, be concise and let people know where they can find more detailed information if they want it.
- Timely – If action is required or invited, people need to be given enough time to plan to get involved. Last minute information leaves people feeling frustrated and makes the service look disorganised.
- Current – It is important to invest time and resources in ensuring that information is kept up to date. Out of date information may damage reputation, reduce trust and turn people off.
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