Contents
You can download the full Consulting people we find hard to reach how to guide [PDF 574KB]
or view it online.
- Introduction
- Who do we find hard to reach?
- The social model of disability
- Why engage hard to reach people?
- How to engage people we find hard to reach
- The personal approach
- What works best
- Identifiying physical and environmental barriers
- Overcoming language barriers
- The Council's equality and diversity groups
- Overcoming cultural barriers
- Overcoming barriers due to physical impairment
- Overcoming barriers due to sensory impairment
- Overcoming barriers due to learning difficulties
- Consulting young people
- Time pressue and commitments
- Feedback
- Evaluation
Appendices
- Top tips for inclusive consultation
- Nottinghamshire County Council's clear print guidelines
- Encouraging participation generally
1. Introduction
At Nottinghamshire County Council we recognise that local people should be involved in decisions about public services and the policies that affect their lives. But we also recognise that some members of the community are excluded from public participation exercises for one reason or another. We want to make sure that what we do reflects the diversity of our communities and we take into account all relevant views when we consult.
It is easy to assume that if an individual or group does not respond to a consultation, this indicates a lack of interest or concern about the subject. Assumptions about indifference can be false and when planning a consultation consideration should be given as to how best to overcome the real obstacles that prevent people from taking part.
We need to be sensitive to the different needs of individuals and communities and we must seek out voices that are less likely to be heard and take steps to ensure that they are included.
