BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS WORKING GROUP PAPER 04/10
COMMUNICATION/CONSULTATION METHODS
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Introduction
It may be necessary for the Group to communicate messages or gather information directly to/from the business community. Given the timescales the Group is working to it is unlikely that a formal consultation will be possible. However, as touched on at the first meeting, the Group may wish to consider if some means of communicating the work of the Group should be developed in order to build up support within the business community and raise awareness so that when BIDs can progress there is a significant well of support to draw on.
Website
One method already discussed is the world wide web. The Local Taxation section of the Scottish Executive internet site will be launched shortly and papers from the Group will be placed here (including minutes of meetings). In addition e-mail alerts will also be sent to those individuals who have asked to be kept informed of the work of the Group.
Newsletters
Members of the Group who represent business representative organisations may also want to consider alerting members via their newsletters. This could entail the Group agreeing standard text which could, for example, set out the work being undertaken, progress to date, and future plans. Secretariat could provide the first draft in advance of the December meeting.
Other communication methods
As stated above given that the work of the Group is, at least initially, taking place over the course of a few months it would be difficult to conduct a formal large-scale consultation/awareness raising campaign. However there are a variety of communication/consultation methods available that the Group may wish to be aware of for future reference. Particularly with the possibility of Pathfinder projects being launched some time in the near future as members may be asked to take this work forward.
The most appropriate approach will largely be determined by the purpose of any communication, the needs of the target audience and resources available.
However, another important determining factor will be the level of involvement required from stakeholders. BIDs is a process that will be led by the business sector and as such it is important the business community feel involved in the development of the policy which will underpin BIDs. Any communication/consultation methods devised will have to be developed with this in mind.
When considering non-written methods of communication, it is important to return to the established objectives for the exercise and to decide what is to be achieved from any communications/consultation.
- Is the aim to inform/consult/involve/collaborate/empower the audience?
- Is it principally an informing or a listening exercise?
- Is the audience ready/equipped to engage effectively?
- Would the target audience be better equipped to contribute views if they were better informed?
In principle there are a range of methods available to enable the Group to reach and engage stakeholders effectively, although as stated above these are not practical in the short term. However, if there is a need for some form of communication process in the future there is no need to rely on one method alone as several may be required to engage relevant audiences. The key test is whether the methods selected are 'fit for purpose'. The types of methods available include:
- Face-to-face consultation events - roadshows, workshops, seminars
- Research methods - questionnaires/surveys, focus groups, in-depth interviews
- Deliberative methods - citizen's/people's Juries, deliberative polling
Conclusion
This paper is for information at this stage of the Group's life. However views on the proposal to draft standard text for inclusion in business representative organisation's newsletters (and the Scottish Executive website) would be welcomed.
BIDWG Secretariat
September 2004