Inform
Informing is telling people what is planned. It tends to be when a decision has been made and may include the merits of a decision. It may be a decision about a change in service, or information about a new project or piece of work, for example.
To be open and transparent, all relevant information should be made available, unless there is justification to withhold parts.
Participation exercises all use informing, to some degree, if only to let people know how they can be involved.
Why Do This?
- To keep people informed
- To be open and transparent about a decision or process.
When to Inform?
Informing is suitable as a standalone engagement if there is little to no room for change, negotiation or if a decision has already been made on the action to be taken.
Informing may be used in other ways too:
- Letting people know what and why work is being done around a particular issue
- Communicating opportunities to participate in decision making or developing policies
- Helping people to understand the details of a decision / action / policy
- Highlight specific data or information related to an issue
- To keep in touch with service users and share relevant information.
What Methods Can I Use?
The following are example of ways to inform people:
- Newsletters
- Social media campaigns
- Posters / Displays
- Information leaflets
- Information videos
- Website or webpages
