As part of our Borough Spotlight for the "Supporting London Boroughs Engagement Project", which was funded by the Greater London Authority and delivered in partnership with London Councils , we're highlighting the exciting work being done by Barnet, Brent, and Bexley Councils. Each borough has taken innovative steps to better connect with their residents and address unique community needs, setting a high standard for others to follow.
Bexley Council
Bexley focused on supporting young people and families who have experienced trauma or violence, in partnership with Act for Change. By setting up a quarterly forum, co-produced with underserved communities they created a platform for meaningful dialogue and collaboration. This forum has been instrumental in helping voluntary organisations secure accommodation for their community projects and delivering multilingual training within these communities.
Bexley also facilitated open and constructive conversations between families, promoting understanding and cooperation. To ensure ongoing success, the council developed a ‘scorecard’ to track the status of engagement projects, making it easier for communities and council teams to allocate resources effectively. These initiatives have broadened community participation, encouraging residents to share their voices and become active partners in co-production.
Barnet Council
Barnet has made significant strides in supporting the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community. Recognising the barriers this group faces when accessing council services, Barnet engaged directly with residents to identify challenges and develop solutions. One of the standout initiatives was the enhancement of their video interpreting service, InterpretersLive!, based on community feedback.
Barnet also overhauled its website, using heat mapping analysis to ensure better accessibility and navigation for all users. To complement these improvements, the council also rolled out Deaf awareness training across all departments, equipping staff with the necessary skills to provide inclusive and effective support. These efforts have not only improved service accessibility but have also fostered a more inclusive environment, benefiting the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community as well as the wider public.
Brent Council
Brent took a digital leap by investing in new engagement tools and launching a popular WhatsApp channel. The council has leveraged technology to build stronger connections with residents. With the help of project funding, Brent invested in popular social media platforms like Nextdoor, WhatsApp, and Facebook, reaching residents where they already are.
This approach significantly boosted engagement levels, making it easier for residents to stay informed and connected. The council also introduced a new WhatsApp Channel, quickly attracting nearly 1,000 followers within just two weeks.
By investing in tools like Orlo, Brent can also now measure the success of their social media efforts more effectively and refine their strategies in real time. Additionally, improved triaging, organisational functionality, and geotargeting have made it quicker and easier for the council to respond to residents' queries, ensuring more efficient communication.
These initiatives have not only increased engagement through social media but also made it quicker and easier for residents to interact with the council. A member of the Brent team delivering the project stated:
“Thanks to triaging, organisational functionality and geotargeting, it’s now quicker and easier to respond to residents' questions and queries.”
Bexley, Barnet & Brent Councils have not only demonstrated the power of innovative community engagement but have also shown how tailored approaches can make a real difference in residents' lives. By focusing on inclusivity, accessibility, and digital engagement, they are setting new benchmarks in public service.
For more information on this project please contact Nick at nick@neighbourlylab.com
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