We have carried out regular reviews throughout both phases of engagement and made any changes as required. This enabled us to identify gaps in who had not been reached in Phase 1 to identify areas of focus for Phase 2. This included equalities and seldom heard groups, ethnic minorities, young people, gypsy travellers, lived experience groups, those experiencing poverty and disadvantage, community resilience groups and veterans.
Feedback from group sessions indicated that the public attending have welcomed the joining up of engagement and that partners are supportive and agreeing with our approach.
A summary report is available detailing the review and evaluation undertaken for both Phase 1 and 2 please click heare to read: Summary Report of the Engagement Process
Summary of key learning points is captured below:
What worked well?
- Promotion and awareness raising through groups and networks via social media; community radio; newsletter articles.
- Facilitated public group discussion sessions – working with external partners.
- Facilitated staff group discussion sessions were scheduled when requested to suit the staff group. These sessions were very well received
- Online survey was made available in other languages on request.
- The focussed discussions were supported by staff from partner organisations which made the process achievable and demonstrated commitment from partners to work together.
- The involvement of General Practice representatives in some of the sessions as this let them hear the feedback, concerns and issues being experienced by the public.
What could have been improved?
- Earlier introduction of surveys available in additional languages. At the start of the process, these were made available only on request.
- Timescale for carrying out this broader approach was during summer holidays when many groups were not meeting.
- COVID-19 restrictions also meant many groups were not meeting face to face and meeting virtually was not always a good alternative
Reflections
- Seldom heard groups were reached better than in previous engagement activities but can do better still.
- Including non-digital approaches during COVID-19 was challenging. Paper copies of questionnaires had a limited return rate.
- Relationship and trust building takes time before meaningful engagement can take place. This is particularly the case for many of the seldom heard and more vulnerable groups where partner organisations advise it has taken years to develop relationships and trust with certain groups.
Links
- The Scottish Approach to Service Design What we mean by design - The Scottish Approach to Service Design (SAtSD) - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
