Wakefield Involves - Consultation and Engagement Framework 2026-2030
Our commitment
We want residents, businesses, community organisations, and partners to have a genuine opportunity to influence the decisions that affect their lives and communities. We are committed to making consultation and engagement clear, inclusive, and accessible.
What you can expect from us
We will:
be clear about why we are consulting or engaging with you
explain how your feedback will be used
make participating as easy and accessible as possible
seek views from people and groups we do not usually hear from
keep you informed throughout the process
share outcomes and explain how feedback influenced decisions
avoid asking the same questions repeatedly through multiple consultations
Who we involve
Depending on the issue, we may involve:
residents
businesses
community groups
partner organisations
service users
visitors to the district
children and young people
groups protected under the Equality Act 2010
other stakeholders with a particular interest in the topic
How we involve people
We will use different approaches depending on the size and impact of the decision.
Level 1: Inform
We explain a problem, the proposed solution, and the evidence behind it.
Example: Changes to a service because of national legislation.
Level 2: Consult
We ask for your feedback before making a decision.
Example: Changes to improve road safety.
Level 3: Involve
We work with you to understand issues and develop solutions.
Example: Annual budget consultation.
Level 4: Collaborate
We work in partnership with communities to shape decisions.
Example: Community-led decisions linked to grant funding.
Level 5: Empower
You make the final decision and we implement the outcome.
Example: Deciding how to mark a major civic event.
Our consultation principles
When we run a consultation, we will:
consult before decisions are made
provide enough information for people to understand the proposals
allow enough time for people to respond
consider responses carefully before reaching a final decision
These principles are based on recognised good practice known as the Gunning Principles.
Keeping you informed
We will share consultation outcomes and explain:
what we heard
how many people took part
who we reached
how feedback influenced decisions
what happens next
We'll do this through channels such as our website, social media, community networks, email updates, and other communications methods.
Need information in a different format?
We are committed to making our consultation and engagement activities accessible. If you need information in an alternative format or require support to participate, please contact us and we will do our best to help.
If you would like to look at our Wakefield Involves Consultation and Engagement Framework document, just email corporatepolicy@wakefield.gov.uk