Participation and consultation in Community Services

Community Services provide a stimulating community with libraries, museums and art events: the directorate also manages adult learning and training opportunities, access to the countryside, social care for adults and works with partners in the police, fire services and other councils to make Shropshire a safer place to live.

We are committed to making sure people are treated fairly and have equal access to all services provided by Community Services. We are striving to achieve equality for the diverse mix in our communities , recognising that people have different needs, cultures, experiences and expectations.

Listening to local people and finding out what you think of the services we provide is essential because it helps us to work out what we need to do to make them better. By taking part in a consultation or survey, attending an event or meeting you can influence the decisions that affect your local community.

We try to encourage our customers to participate in the work of the council and through consultation and engagement we make sure we listen to them, and involve users and non-users in the design, development and delivery of services.

What is participation?
Participation means more than just consulting with the local communities. It involves ensuring all communities are consulted on and involved in service design and delivery

What is consultation?
This involves seeking contributions and views about a particular policy or service, whether from individuals or groups. We might do this by holding a meeting or sending you a questionnaire to complete.

What is engagement?
This is the ongoing process, based over time, of involving communities in the development and management of services and policy. The aim of engagement is to help build active and empowered communities.

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