Best Value at Leicester City Council
Client requirement
Leicester City Council wanted to develop and maintain their work on Best Value and were especially interested in working with the wide range of constituencies within their remit. The Corporate Equalities Team within the Office of the Chief Executive was particularly seeking expertise on gender and Best Value to assist with analysing existing practices and developing Best Value initiatives within the minority organisations. The Equalities team had to work within the restraints of time and budget.
Serene Communications was invited to assist in developing cost-effective consultation in the community and help fulfil requirements and compliance of the legislation through the Community Plan.
Our response
We worked alongside members of the senior team to recommend appropriate level of consultation. We facilitated consultation with a variety of organisations to ascertain their views on the Council’s draft Community Plan and policies and find shared views on future recommendations. We provided an independent report to the Council highlighting the critical success factors for Leicester Council.
Client outcomes
Leicester Council published a report based on our findings. The Council report stated: “…the report was commissioned from an independent consultant, with national experience, as an evidence of the commitment to transparency, and a readiness to listen to citizens, by the Corporate Equalities Team. The report is intended to give an accurate account of the thoughts and views expressed at the conference and thus to serve both as a democratic document and an example to participants that their voice was heard and noted.”