MPA quick time consultation

Report: 8b
Date: 03 October 2003
By: Clerk

Summary

This Committee have previously considered reports on this subject. Having done so, this paper proposes a process for implementing the ‘Quick Time’ consultation method.

A. Recommendations

That

1. members note the amendment that will be made to the consultation strategy to reflect the process that is outlined in this report; and
2. agree this report be referred to the Coordination and Policing Committee for its consideration.

B. Supporting information

1. In September 2002, the Chair of the authority requested that consideration be given to implementing a process whereby the Authority can consult with members of the public, in a relatively short time, on key policing policy or other emerging issues that required a quick response.

2. At the time, neither the MPA nor the MPS had such structures or processes in place to meet this requirement. Over the past months, both organisations have undertaken a great deal of work to identify the internal and external groups and structures that were either already in place, and that can be used to facilitate this method of consultation. Additionally the MPA establish a range of relationships and working arrangements with external groups and organisations, in order that they will be able to assist in this area.

3. The MPS already has a number of databases of contacts that can be utilised by the MPA for this type of consultation. Some of these are listed below:

• Young people - TP Policy (Youth);
• Minority ethnic communities - DCC4 duty officer;
• Disabled people - DCC4 duty officer;
• People without permanent homes - DCC4 duty officer for travellers;
• Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) - DCC4 duty officer;
• Faith groups - DCC4 duty officer;
• Refugee and asylum seekers - DCC4 duty officer.

4. Although there is currently no MPS lead for issues surrounding older people and homeless people, this is being looked at by the MPS and the outcome will be made available once this becomes available.

5. The Consultation and Diversity Unit also have an up-to-date database of groups and organisations that could be used to contact groups and individuals to provide a pan London focus on issues. The Consultation Committee and Equal Opportunities and Diversity Board also have co-opted members who are connected to networks that will assist with this consultation method.

6. Both the MPA and the MPS have ensured that the groups and organisations that have been identified and are available to take part in the ‘Quick Time’ consultation include representation from the six equalities priority groups specified in the consultation strategy. Where the views of a specific community or organisation that are not on the current MPA or MPS list needs to be sought, arrangements will be made to do so, however, this may require a slightly longer timescale.

Electronic consultation

7. A wide range of individuals regularly visits the MPA and MPS websites. E-consultation carried out on a number of issues has generated a healthy response and this is another consultation method that can be used to generate a response from individuals in specific issue in a relatively short time.

Media

8. The Authority has established good working relationships with the media, especially radio stations such as Choice FM, which it has funded to promote some important community education programmes and events. Depending on the matter requiring a response, it may be possible, to seek the support of radio stations. A decision by the Authority to use this channel will be taken in consultation with the Communications unit.

Citizen Panel

9. The MPA is in the process of setting up a Londonwide Citizen Panel. When this is in place, the Authority will have access to a broad range of individuals whom it can consult on a wide range of issues.

Timeframe for the consultation

10. All groups and organisations have agreed to assist with this type of consultation have indicated that they will require a minimum timescale of 3 to 7 days in which to do so. This will enable them to put in place the processes that are most appropriate to them for engaging their members. The more complex or sensitive the issue to be considered, the more time groups and organisations may require in making a response.

11. Some of the groups and organizations that are currently on the MPA and MPS database may be able to give a response on a particular matter requiring more urgent attention in a tighter timeframe, however this is likely to be less representative.

Process for initiating ‘quick time’ consultation

12. This method will not be the norm and will only be used in instances where the previously agreed minimum timeframe of 6 weeks is considered too long to get the quick response that is required on a particular issue. The Chair of the Authority, or Committee Chairs, in consultation with other Committee members will be the only ones that will be able to initiate the quick time consultation method.

13. Requests to initiate this consultation will be made to the Deputy Clerk or to the Head of Consultation and Diversity. Who will clarify the issue on which views are to be sought, the purpose for the consultation and the timeframe by which a response will be required? The MPA will work through the MPS Head of Consultation who will requested to coordinate the process for contacting the individuals on the MPS key contacts (on page 1 of this report) who will be able to make arrangements for the consultation to be carried out. The MPA Community Diversity and Outreach (CDO) Unit will initiate contacts with those external organisations and groups that are on its list.

14. The CDO Unit will be responsible for collating the response and reporting this to the Chair of the Authority or Committee chair within the timescale agreed.

C. Equality and diversity implications

Equalities organisations and groups and those committed to the principle of diversity will be included on the list of contacts and will therefore be given the opportunity to contribute to this process. An Equalities Impact Assessment (EIA) will be carried out on this process as part of the requirement of the Race Relations Amendment Act.

D. Financial implications

1. Small groups and organisations have already indicated that they are likely to require some financial support to administrate this process and contribute to the reimbursement of those members who may incurred travel and other expenses in contributing to the process. The number of ‘Quick time’ is not expected to be high and it is estimated that any costs will relatively low and be found within the existing consultation budget.

2. As this method has not been implemented as yet, it is difficult to estimate when the actual cost is likely to be. It is therefore proposed that a more detailed costing be brought to this Committee following the fist ‘Quick Time’ event so that members can realistically consider the cost implications.

E. Background papers

• Quick Time Consultation, Report 6 consultation Committee, 5 Dec 2002

F. Contact details

Report author: Julia Smith, MPA.

For more information contact:

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

Send an e-mail linking to this page

Feedback