On this page you will find:
- Overview of the research project
- Ethics Approval
- Current consultation practices of local authorities in England (Case Studies)
Overview of the research project
We undertook five stages during this research as follows:
Literature Review The literature review identified challenges, research and existing methodologies currently used in engaging young people, informing the development of online surveys and focus groups.
Online SurveyAn online survey was conducted with young people across England to identify barriers and opportunities for their participation in consultations, using questions developed from insights captured by a literature review.
Focus GroupsFour online focus groups were organised with young people aged 18-25 to explore survey responses, using a Mural whiteboard for collaboration and thematic analysis to identify key themes.
Expert InterviewsFour expert interviews were conducted online with professionals in the field of community engagement to discuss challenges faced in engaging with young people and methods used to overcome them. Thematic analysis identified key themes.
Discussing the findingsTo explore the relevance and resonance of the recommendations and the personas in practice, we discussed them with consultation experts.
Ethics Approval
Current consultation practices of local authorities in England (Case Studies)
- Adur and Worthing council asked for consultation responses via their website for a recent consultation. They released information about the consultation on new electric charging points on November 24, 2022 (https://www.adur-worthing.gov.uk/news/pr22-220.html). Their site included a link to detailed plans of the proposed charging bays. The consultation asked the public to comment on each of the sites proposed, as well as to suggest other sites that could be used as the scheme is expanded. Comments can be submitted via the response form and emailed to a contact at the council.
- Another example of using the council website to elicit consultation responses comes from Ashfield District council who hosted a consultation on the development of a local plan between October and November 2021 (https://www.ashfield.gov.uk/ashfield-draft-local-plan-consultation-2021/). Comments were made and summarised into a document. A draft local plan and a range of supporting documents were shared.
- Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council also used their website to run consultations. Recently, they ran a consultation via their site on a new proposed Supplementary Planning Document which they stated will lead to greater sustainability in the approval of planning applications (https://www.barnsley.gov.uk/services/planning-and-buildings/local-planning-and-development/our-local-plan/sustainable-construction-and-climate-change-adaptation-supplementary-planning-document-spd-and-updated-local-validation-requirements-consultation/). On the website they stated reasons why the new SPD is needed. Comments could be submitted via an online form, shared via email or sent in the post. The consultation ran between November 2022 and January 2023.
- Cambridge City Council offers an example of using a specific online platform. Cambridge’s platform is called ‘Consult Cambs’ and members of the public can utilise the app to have their say. A recent consultation titled ‘GCP Making Connections 2022’ was launched using the app to enable people to have a say on proposals for bus services and safer cycling in the region (https://consultcambs.uk.engagementhq.com/making-connections-2022). Using the app, people could complete a survey, find out about in person and online events, email a contact at the council, make comments via social media and/or write to the council directly.
- Portsmouth City Council utilises a platform called ‘Your City, Your Say’ that has been purpose built to enable people to engage in all consultations and research projects (https://yourcityyoursay.portsmouth.gov.uk/). Findings of consultations and information about the people engaged with are also presented via the platform.
Some councils collaborate with third parties to run their consultations, with Commonplace being the most common collaborating partner:
- For most of their consultations, Leeds City Council collaborates with Commonplace to offer a way for people to engage with open and previous consultations (https://leedstransport.commonplace.is/). The platform used shows what consultations are active and which have closed. Members of the public are given lots of information about plans and are asked to complete surveys to share their thoughts.
- Calderdale Council also uses Commonplace to generate consultation responses. One example of a recent consultation using the platform asked people to comment on how to make the area around a local school better. The consultation used an interactive map: https://northbrighouse.commonplace.is/
- Waltham Forest also collaborated with Commonplace to capture insights into road users perceptions on intervention to promote walking and cycling (https://www.commonplace.is/customer-stories/creating-mini-holland-in-waltham-forest). Using the Commonplace Design Feedback tool, Waltham Forest were able to break out each geographical area into a separate module to leave feedback and comments.
Although some local authorities have reported some good results in terms of engaging with harder to reach populations, such as young people, the engagement of young people in consultations across England remains low relative to older populations. In light of this, the aim of this research is to explore possible reasons why young people are not currently engaging and how to better engage them in the future. Based on our findings, we also aim to develop recommendations to share with local authorities.