Spring 2015
The challenge
Trafford library services were asked to find one third savings for the following financial year. They needed support to develop and deliver a statutory consultation that provided meaningful dialogue about what next for the community.
How we approached it
We provided design, content development, and analysis of the consultation, helping to design and facilitate more than 20 public engagement events.
We realised quickly that a two stage process was necessary: firstly, to engage the public in site-specific potential solutions from respondents and secondly, during a second phase, to get feedback on these potential solutions.
We developed materials that were fit-for-purpose, gathering responses via an online form and analysing over 2,000 feedback forms. We also helped to identify and engage with the hardest-to-reach groups.
What happened
The two-stage consultation process produced several options to reduce funding requirements, as well as suggestions on how to increase the sustainability of particular sites. This reduced the number of proposed library closures, embedding the community in the provision of services.