Westminster launches the Community Participation Charter

Westminster City Council is proud to launch the Community Participation Charter as part of our commitment to build a Fairer Westminster.

The charter sets out the council's shared principles to enable genuine and meaningful participation, engagement, and decision-making with the communities of Westminster.

Co-produced with residents, the charter will hold the council to account and ensure that we are resident led in our approach to service delivery and that we deliver high standards in how we work with our communities to shape our services.

The design of the Community Participation Charter was a collaborative effort where over 150 residents and staff from every council department were engaged to ensure that residents' input can be implemented across all our services.

Residents contributed to the charter at community events, pop-up stalls and through a survey. Residents continued to be involved throughout the design and refinement of the charter resulting in the finalised version we have launched today.

Key priorities shared by residents contributed to the five charter principles that guide the promises and success measures set out in the charter. The principles are Transparency, Accessibility, Empathy, Inclusivity and Accountability.

Some of the major areas where we are involving residents in decision making include:

- Our Commonplace site with the ability to sign up for updates on consultations in your area

- Register of active residents

- Empathy training in our contact centre

- Accessibility improves to the website and translation improvements

- Face to face services at community hubs and housing service offices

- Full Council participation

- Improved Report it function

The council will regularly review performance against the Community Participation Charter and inform residents of progress on an annual basis.

Councillor Cara Sanquest, Cabinet Member for Communities, said:

"I'm delighted to be launching the Community Participation Charter - the first of its kind for Westminster City Council.

As part of our commitment to building a Fairer Westminster, one in which every resident is listened to, we have worked with of residents across the city to co-produce this Charter which sets out commitments about how the Council will work for our communities in a more open, transparent and accessible way.

I'm grateful to over 150 residents and council staff who contributed to the process of writing the charter. No matter your issue, no matter your background or identity, you should be able to contact the Council and be treated fairly and with respect. The Charter outlines exactly how we will do this."

Published: 21 November 2024