MPA/MPS consultation strategy – draft framework and consultation process

Report: 7
Date: 31 October 2002
By: Clerk

Summary

A draft consultation strategy was previously discussed by the former Consultation, Diversity and Outreach Committee (CDO). This draft had been discussed with internally and with the GLA Group. As a result of this consideration the current redraft and proposed consideration timetable has been developed for members’ consideration.

A. Recommendations

That

1. Members comment on the draft consultation strategy and indicate whether the strategy is sufficiently developed to seek the views of key partners and stakeholders at this stage;
2. comment on the proposed timetable for 2002/04; and
3. note the proposal in paragraph for ‘quick time’ consultation (paragraph 6) on current and emerging policing issues.

B. Supporting information

1. One of the key recommendations arising from the MPA/MPS Best Value review of Consultation was that the MPA should develop a consultation strategy. A draft strategy was produced as part of the review but this did not reflect the wider consultation responsibilities of the MPA, in addition to the local consultation which the report recommended could be carried out through local Community and Police Consultative and Groups (CPCGs).

2. Internal consultation with key stakeholders and borough commanders highlighted that the strategy needed to be more transparent about the MPA responsibility for consultation and the need for a consultation timetable that would inform partner organisations and groups of the consultation programme of the MPA.

3. The review of the initial draft consultation strategy also coincided with the GLA’s ‘Listening to London’ best value review of consultation in which a number of the common principles and consultation processes were agreed. These have been incorporated into the MPA Strategy document.

4. This process, which is being adopted by other GLA functional bodies, will form part of the audit trail for future inspections by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate and the Audit Commission.

Consultation planning

5. The draft strategy has been circulated separately to members and members will see that a higher level of sophistication and planning proposed which will place the Authority in good stead to improve and monitor the effectiveness of the range of consultation that is carried out and result in increased levels of outcomes. Such improvements could also contribute to improvements to the rating given by the HMIC earlier this year on the progress of the Authority in improving its consultation.

‘Quick time’ consultation

6. The Authority has previously the need to have a framework in place for engaging with and consulting key groups and communities in ‘quick time’ on current or emerging issues. This is outlined in page 10. The strategy proposes a way for accomplishing this, but members may wish to propose other methods for achieving this or may wish officers to develop this aspect of the strategy in more detail for further consideration by the Coordinating and Policing Committee (CoP), as was originally requested by the Chair of the Authority.

Summary of key MPA and MPS corporate consultation and timetable 2002/2004

7. The key corporate consultation activities are outlined in the document at page 10 - 12. Offices have proposed a timetable for carrying out consultation with the organisations and groups for 2002 - 2004. This is in page 17 of the strategy. This is an early draft that members may wish amend.

Guidance on engaging and consulting ‘hard to hear’ groups

8. Consulting with ‘hard to hear’ groups have been persistently presented as difficult for the MPS and Consultative groups. The strategy tries to address this by providing guidance on how these groups and communities can be engaged and included in the range of consultation. The MPA and MPS at a corporate level will also be working to ensure that the steps outlined in this strategy inform all consultation planning. A checklist for evaluating such engagement is also included in the document at page 21.

Strategy and implementation plan

9. This is included in the strategy (p23) as an update of a paper previously approved, to indicate the responsibilities that now fall to this committee.

C. Equal opportunities and diversity implications

The equal opportunities and diversity implications are clearly addressed in the strategy document. The priority groups outlined reflect those that are included in the MPS Race Equality Scheme and with whom on-going consultation on policing matters will be carried out.

D. Financial implications

A budget to support the Committees’ consultation work programme has been separately discussed and will be put forward with the other growth bids for further consultation in December 2002. The quality of consultation proposed in the strategy will not be easily achievable without additional budget in the financial year 2003/04.

E. Background papers

• Draft Consultation Strategy
• GLA Group ‘Listening to London Review July 2002
• MPA Best Value Review of Consultation December 2000

F. Contact details

Report author: Julia Smith, MPA

For more information contact:

MPA general: 020 7202 0202
Media enquiries: 020 7202 0217/18

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