Equality consultation and engagement.

One of the major requirements of the Equality Act 2010 is that public bodies have to ensure that they adequately consult and engage with minority groups in their communities to ensure not only improved service provision but also to undertake equality impact assessments on any policies or changes in practice.

This training programme is designed to help organisations and staff examine ways in which they can involve members of the public/service users in participation and consultation.

The course can also be delivered in order to enhance the skills and capacity of members of the public/service users/clients to contribute and take part in consultation and strategic decision-making.

This programme is built on work undertaken with Health Boards, Education authorities and learning disability service providers.

It also seeks to introduce the concept of capacity mentoring™ which is a model for mentoring and supporting an individual or group of people who have started a process of public participation and partnership working, e.g, through a Community Planning or Community Engagement process.

The workshop can last one or two days depending upon the needs of the organisation.

By the end of the workshop participants will have:

• Explored the nature of consultation and participation within their own sector, including previous practice and contemporary models.
• Developed practical skills for identifying contribution and increasing the capacity of individuals to play a full part in consultation and planning.
• Introduced the nature of capacity building and capacity mentoring as a tool for supporting and deepening involvement and participation.
• Examined issues relating to good communication and group work skills especially as they relate to issues of cultural practice and communication.
• Examined models of equality community mapping and engagement.
• Reflected on the importance of and developed skills around public presentation, community contact and media awareness.
• Engaged in an in-depth process of action planning around their own individual learning needs and experience in relation to consultation and participation

The workshop will be supported by a handbook which will be given to all participants.