Focus Group Feedback - 23 November 21

This is a brief summary of what was discussed.

Process

All attendees at focus groups were happy with the process and had no comments or suggestions.

Criteria & Guidance

We asked attendees for feedback on our Criteria & Guidance documents. It was suggested that wording could be different to make it clearer what the maximum spend on individual ideas has to be & to encourage larger projects.

As a result of this, we have changed the wording to the following:

• individual ideas must not exceed £100,000 – think big! We would like to hear your ideas no matter how big they may be. Relevant service areas will cost ideas and offer guidance.

There was also some concerns about Clydebank being chosen as the area for the pilot project.

As a result of this, we have made it clearer on our Criteria & Guidance documents and on our Consul site as to why this decision was made.

Feedback also suggested that timescales for costing ideas was too tight. We have looked into changing this, however due to the end of the financial year in April, we are unable to extend. However, we are ensuring that all service areas are well prepped and aware of this piece of work and the timescales that we are working to. Each phase of the process will be monitored and reviewed, ensuring learning points for future roll out of the programme.

Idea Form

All attendees were happy with the Idea Form.

Budget Delegates

Attendees felt that it was important for the Council to cover any expenses for volunteers. It was mentioned that Greenspace already cover volunteer costs.

We will be working with our volunteers via Zoom, however we have clarified that there is a budget available to cover any expenses incurred for volunteers should this be necessary.

Consul Platform

No changes required.

Other Comments / questions

• Feedback is very important to people and should be shared regardless of whether it is good or bad.
• How will we engage younger people to get involved? We will work with Youth Service providers and ask for their support to encourage younger peoples involvement.
  
  • W4U Youth Services team
  • Youth Alliance
  • WD Youth Council
  • Social media
• How do we ensure non digital residents can also take part and vote?
  • Help will be available in communities via appointment or by telephone appointment.
• Can we ensure Community Councils have an opportunity to shape this process?
  • We are actively encouraging all citizens to shape this pilot process and will continue this practice as we develop PB Mainstreaming in WD.
• Can people vote via text?
  • We require all votes to come through Consul to ensure that the process is as transparent and fair as possible. Using Consul means that staff have no involvement in the vote count and also ensures that each individual can only vote once.
• Generally agreed that 3 votes per person was adequate.