Reason why we did this
As part of our programme of recovery work, we wanted to provide residents with an opportunity to have their say on the things that should be focused on as we come out of lockdown. As part of the borough’s Community Conversation programme, this activity would have normally taken place via a series of ward based public meetings. However, due to social distancing measures, we viewed this would not be appropriate or accessible to the many people still shielding. Therefore, we decided to trial a virtual programme.
What did we do?
Launched nine ward-based meetings held on Zoom. Each meeting would be hosted by the Leader of the Council, with a panel of ward councillors. Key stakeholders would also be invited to attend if relevant to known key issues in the local area e.g. Police. The back-office function and coordination of the events were delivered by the Communications Team.
The events were largely promoted by paid for social media advertising, promoting via local stakeholders and the Council’s e-newsletter.
Each event opened with a short video presentation showing the Council’s and borough’s response to the pandemic so far (utilising videos from the #RichmondGivesBack programme.
Following the meetings, videos of the events were published for those not able to attend, actions for ward councillors will be published and revisited at the subsequent follow up meetings planned for September.
Outcomes
Despite being held largely in the summer holidays, 1,206 people registered to attend the events – and registrations showed a younger demographic engaging, and many new people taking part in the Community Conversation programme. As a result, the virtual programme will be continued in the future.
Links
www.richmond.gov.uk/community_conversation
