Caerphilly Asks, Caerphilly Listens

Caerphilly Local Service Board (LSB) held a launch event for the ‘Caerphilly Asks, Caerphilly Listens’ database at the Maes Manor Hotel in Blackwood on 22 March. Representatives from the Public and Voluntary and Community Sectors were invited to hear how the new website could change consultation and engagement practice in the area.

Lindsay Whittle, the Chair of Caerphilly LSB and Leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council opened the event and welcomed attendees, before setting the scene of consultation work in Caerphilly, the good work that is being done and how it can be improved.

The national perspective on this work was given by Mandy Williams, Participation Cymru Manager, who was the event’s keynote speaker. Mandy described the policy context for the work and how this focus is being reflected around Wales as a large number of LSBs are undertaking projects in citizen engagement. Mandy went on to say that "the fact that so many LSBs are highlighting this as a priority area I think demonstrates the need for partner organisations to work together to provide a better engagement experience for citizens with the ultimate aim of improving public services for all".

Juliet Barnes from Aneurin Bevan Health Board talked about how engagement works in practice and highlighted how citizens’ voices were heard in the development of Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr in Caerphilly. A presentation was then made by Liz Sharma of Caerphilly County Borough Council to show how the database will function, before it was officially launched by Colin Palfrey, the Chair of the Citizen Engagement Working Group.

Following the presentations, discussion groups were held to gather views on the database. These looked at what the opportunities and issues were around the success of this joint venture. The next step is for a practitioners’ network to be developed and training needs identified, with support from Participation Cymru. Following feedback from group facilitators, a Question and Answer session was held to answer any issues or queries arising from the day. Colin Palfrey then spoke of how the findings from the event would influence subsequent work, before Lindsay Whittle closed the event.

Attending such a well organised and participative event was a privilege for Participation Cymru and we would like to promote the good practice demonstrated on the day as well as wishing "Caerphilly Asks, Caerphilly Listens" every success as it progresses to its next stage of development.

Should you like further information on the project, please visit www.caerphillyasks.org.uk or www.caerphillylistens.org.uk.

Should you like to find out how to run a similar launch event then please contact Liz Sharma on 01443 864354 or email sharme@caerphilly.gov.uk.