Key Questions to Ask

illustration of a clipboard checklist being ticked off. Two hands and a pen are in the image.

These are questions that should help you shape your participation process.

  • Do you have a clear idea of why you are engaging and what you are trying to achieve? This is important from the start. 
  • What do you want to get out of the engagement? Some examples include:
  • Identifying new ideas
  • Identifying issues
  • An increased understanding of the needs of service users
  • Clarity on priorities for improvement
  • Assessment of how services are currently being delivered
  • Recommendations for delivery
  • Clarity of preferences towards proposals
  • Gaining an overview of perspectives/concerns.
  • Is what you are trying to achieve realistic and achievable?
  • Do you have a plan? This should outline what activities will be carried out and when, who will participate, and what their roles will be. A timeline and budget will be important.
  • What are your limitations? Do you have the skills and capacity, or do you need training?
  • What do you already know? Is there evidence or data which could be helpful to you? The Shetland Partnership website is a good starting point for Shetland-Wide Evidence and Data Deep Dives, and Locality Profiles.

locality profiles

  • Has there been similar work beforehand?
  • Is there an awareness around the topic or issue?
  • Should anyone else be involved? For example, other stakeholders, or people with additional skills or expertise.  The local Community Involvement and Development Officers are a useful starting point.
  • Consider your audience – understand the community’s demographics, needs and interests. Is the participation and engagement activity for the whole community, or is it targeted?

outline of lots of people

illustration of 5 people holding jigsaw pieces with a survey and checklist in the middle
  • Which method/methods are you using? Which would suit best? 
  • Timing and accessibility: schedule events at convenient times and accessible locations for the community. Consider things like public transport, locations, childcare, food and catering. 
  • How will you make people aware of the activity? 
  • Make sure you follow-up and share outcomes and next steps with the community after the engagement. 
  • Consider whether the process will involve the collection and / or storage of personal data.  A Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) Screening of Full, may be required.
  • Consider whether this work is a Project, requiring Project Governance, such as a Project Board and Risk Assessment. 
  • Have you considered any barriers to engagement, and how to be inclusive? It is important to ensure all voices are heard, especially marginalised or underrepresented groups. 
  • Does your organisation have a Terms of Reference, or a constitution?
  • Be transparent about the process, goals and limitations of the engagement. 

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