To elect a Chairman for the Working Party.

Cllr Mills was elected Chairman for the Working Party.

To receive apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Barnby.

To consider the appointment of a Vice-Chairman for the Working Party.

Councillor Sanders was appointed Vice-chairman of the Working Party.

To agree the Terms of Reference of the Working Party:

·           to develop the approach for improving Members and officers working together to ensure that Members are aware of all engagement activity;

·           to develop approaches to ensure Members are equipped to promote and be involved in engagement activity; and

·         to develop a set of key performance indicators against which this strategy and the action plan can be measured.

The Terms of Reference were considered and it was agreed that the Working Party would meet every two months.  

Action: To arrange bi-monthly meetings

To consider the Communication, Consultation and Engagement Strategy action plan and agree a way forward.

The Communication, Consultation and Engagement Strategy and Action Plan was considered by the Working Party.  Main issues discussed related to the following:

·         The Council’s website and digital media as a communication and engagement tool.

·         Understanding how the public engage with the website and digital media to ensure effective communication and engagement.

·         How the Council and Elected Members can make the most of social media to engage effectively with the public.

·         How the Council can effectively use the digital means available to consult and gauge public opinion.

·         How the Council can ensure that where appropriate consultation is undertaken at the earliest possible stage with the public.

·         How the Council can use its list of key stakeholders to best effect.

·         Internal communications.

Actions:

To invite officers from the web team to the next meeting.