Draft Public Participation Strategy

The Vale of Glamorgan Council has recently published its draft Public Participation Strategy for consultation. The draft Strategy details the actions that will be undertaken by the Council to encourage and enable all stakeholders (those that have an interest or stake in an issue, such as individuals, interest groups, communities) to take part in the decision-making process and to have their say.

Public participation can be any process that directly engages the public in how decisions are made and gives consideration to how the public inputs into making that decision. It consists of a series of activities and actions to both inform the public and obtain input from them and can be about a particular project, policy or issue and can take place over a period of time. Public participation affords stakeholders the opportunity to influence how decisions are made that affect their lives and community.

This process plays a key role in providing better outcomes for us all. We believe that when done in a meaningful way, public participation results in greater understanding of additional facts, values, and perspectives obtained through public input to inform the decision process and to shape how the organisation works.

The Council also recognises that there is not a one-size-fits-all approach to engagement. As part of our commitment, we will be varied in the way that we engage and connect with different groups.

This Public Participation Strategy outlines the Council’s current position, as well as our short and long-term goals and how these will contribute to delivering our wellbeing objectives. We are seeking as broad a range of feedback as possible at this early stage so that our strategy can be refined in line with the views of those we most need to engage.

The views of you and your organisation, are key in shaping this. You can also submit your views via the online consultation or in writing to consultation@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk. We welcome your input and would like to thank you in advance for your considered feedback.