Work with Your Community

          Working with your community means moving beyond informing residents to actively involving them in shaping local priorities. At this level, engagement becomes more intentional: councils build partnerships, ask residents for views in structured ways, and show clearly how public input influences decisions. This stage is suitable for councils of any size — small councils may focus on local groups and targeted surveys, while larger councils may use broader engagement tools. The core aim is to create collaborative relationships that strengthen two-way relationships, improve decision-making and demonstrate a responsive council.

          Should demonstrate
          • Undertakes regular community consultations/targeted engagement

          • Shows how feedback influences council decisions

          • Has an up-to-date Action Plan shaped by community priorities

          • Works in partnership with local groups and service providers

          • Delivers/supports community-benefit projects with residents

          • Maintains consistent, accessible communication channels

          • Communicates with under-represented groups

          • Demonstrates inclusive practice

          • Reviews engagement activity annually

          • Publishes engagement outcomes in the Annual Report