Citizens must sit at the heart of local government decision making. Good practice for local authorities is to engage citizens in decisions that affect them. But it isn’t always clear from the outset how best to ensure the voices of citizens are heard. 

At DG Cities, we work with local authorities, technology innovators and the third sector to ensure that when decisions are made that affect communities and citizens, they’re given the opportunity to understand, inform, and shape decisions and their outcomes. We do this because we know that the best outcomes can only be achieved when each and every stakeholder is able to input into the process.

A good example of this is our work on project Endeavour, where we have made it a priority to ensure that autonomous vehicle (AV) technology is developed utilising community feedback and insights. We're running a survey throughout this Spring and Summer and are inviting community members to participate in focus groups where they are able to learn about and engage with the project more closely. Both the survey and focus groups hone in on user perceptions and behaviours, and in the focus groups specifically, we'll explore how future services could look and feel. We're committed to this approach because technology needs to be developed with people front and centre, not merely technology for technology’s sake.

There are many different methods, models and approaches to create connections between citizens and their local government, with varying levels of flexibility - no one approach is best. There are, however, some core guiding principles to community engagement which can help to ensure that programmes stay on track and meet their objectives. Principles help because community engagement is a space of exciting innovation as well as tried and tested methods. By adhering to the principles outlined below, you can ensure that whatever method you choose, you’re staying true to the purpose of community engagement.

The 5 core principles of community engagement

1. Define a clear vision, purpose, and strategy: To harness the power of the community there has to be a clear strategy - built with the community - that both describes tangible outcomes and benefits, and captures the hearts and minds of citizens. A clear vision and purpose helps to build momentum and focus, and this has to be in the language of the community. This is why the most effective community engagement strategies are developed with and for the community and not in an inaccessible ivory tower. Putting the community in the driver's seat will ensure that the final product is authentic and grounded in the reality of the day-to-day lives of the people it will affect.

2. Find the balance between organic community organising and supported, nurtured networks: Communities should be both enabled to build their own networks and generate ideas and solutions, and supported to engage and participate when necessary. Collaboration and shared purpose between local authority teams and community groups can only come about through relationships which are developed over time. Ultimately, it has to be down to community groups and the networks around them to determine how they wish to be defined, and the role they want to play, but meaningful community engagement can help groups to realise their potential. 

3. Diversity and inclusion must be at the core: diversity in all its forms is vital if inclusive outcomes are to be achieved. To be legitimate in the eyes of the community, it is important that steps are taken to ensure diversity and inclusion, from strategy through to implementation and evaluation. Reviewing and evaluating participation, communication, and outcomes through the lens of diversity and inclusion helps to ensure that this is the case.

4. Transparency at each and every step: trust is pivotal to effective community engagement, and can only be fostered through transparency and ongoing two-way communication. Clarity and openness about processes and accessible information are important if communities are to engage meaningfully. Dialogue can only be authentic when trust has been established. Capturing views and opinions, and feeding these back for the public record can help to foster trust and create better partnerships. 

5. Foster knowledge exchange and social learning: community engagement is at its most impactful when it empowers citizens to share their knowledge, experiences and expertise to tackle a joint challenge or issue. It's important to ensure that all voices are heard, and that all groups actively listen - including local authority leads who may be one-step removed from the process. Local knowledge and expertise can help to ensure localised decisions generate positive outcomes.

We think that by applying these principles it is possible to ensure that every citizen has the chance to shape their local community and participate in their local government. And we hope that by using this in your own practice you too can benefit from the passion and knowledge of empowered citizens.