Understand Your Community

          Understanding your community begins with the essentials — knowing who your residents are, how to reach them, and how to share information openly. At this level, engagement is simple but consistent: clear communication, a well-run Annual Parish Meeting, an accessible Annual Report and regular updates that help residents understand what the council does and how decisions affect them. Smaller councils can meet these expectations with basic tools such as noticeboards, newsletters and conversations with local groups, while larger councils may use broader channels. The aim is the same for every council: to build trust by being visible, open and easy to contact.

          Should demonstrate

          • Holds a high-quality Annual Parish Meeting

          • Publishes minutes, agendas and decisions

          • Includes public participation in its meeting agendas

          • Makes council contact details accessible

          • Publishes an Annual Report

          • Has a Grants Policy

          • Regularly communicates with the community

          • Has a functioning, accessible website

          • Consults its residents

          • Partnership working

          • Has an Action Plan for the Coming Year

          Resources

           Return to Community Dashboard