Local public services have a strong role to play in equipping their areas for the future. Whether it’s tackling the climate emergency, regenerating housing estates or revitalising town centres, there is substantial change underway or on the horizon.
From engaging with communities at the ideas stage, researching what local people think, and running formal or statutory consultation processes - transparent, meaningful two-way conversations are vital for councils to bring their communities with them.
Westco’s research and engagement practice has a track record of assisting local authorities across the UK who work with local communities to navigate change. This includes:
- formulating surveys to gauge local views
- running focus groups to test policy
- forming and facilitating steering groups to enable co-production
- managing structured engagement and consultation processes for built environment and infrastructure projects.
Research and insight
Great communication starts with listening. We listen to the thoughts, feelings and opinions of communities to develop messages and campaigns that have a real impact.
We specialise in local and central government and offer a variety of services that allow our clients to make informed decisions based on data analysis, harvested and interpreted by our team of research experts.
The result is that we provide clients with evidence to make decisions based on an insightful understanding of their audience. We equip our clients with a better understanding of their audience so they can respond to the needs of their communities.
Quantitative research
From telephone, face to face and online surveys, our team of quantitative researchers can provide end-to-end survey services including questionnaire and sample design, data collection and statistical analysis.
Qualitative research
We are experts in delivering qualitative methodologies such as focus groups, workshops, interviews (face-to-face and telephone), and user experience, and will work with you to ensure the method and analysis of the data meets your needs.
Evaluation
Our evaluation services can provide you with robust evidence to determine what is and isn’t working, helping you to make informed decisions on budgeting and resourcing.
Data visualisation
Research is valuable, but only if it’s explained. We understand the importance of presenting data in an accessible and meaningful way. From reporting with infographics to animations and interactivity, we bring our insight to life to help data tell a story.
Community Engagement
Our approach to engagement ensures you reach your target audience(s) effectively, providing them with the information they need to informatively take part, and collecting data to build reliable insight and segmentation. Whether for a public authority, a specific department or policy area, or an individual project, we work with clients to shape engagement strategies and implementation plans.
- stakeholder mapping
- audience segmentation
- decision-maker workshops
- key message development
- strategy or plan writing
- audits
Consultation and event management
We manage public consultation processes for regeneration, development and infrastructure projects at all stages from concept to construction and organise bespoke engagement events.
- engagement programmes or individual events
- pre-planning consultation
- advisory group formation
- building engagement teams
- consultation materials including
- consultation booklets
- exhibition boards
- websites and microsites
- newsletters
- presentations
- video and animation
- interactive reports