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Section B:
Choosing The Level:
The Bradford Participation Tool
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Choosing The Level, The Bradford Participation Tool
This section now gives more detail about using the ladder of participation, and the sort of methods that it is appropriate to use at each level.
LEVEL 1: INFORMATION
Information giving underpins all other levels of participation, and may be appropriate on its own in some circumstances. However, you are likely to hit problems if all you offer is information and people are expecting more involvement.
Basics
- The information-giving stance is essentially a 'take it or leave it' approach.
- People may not accept they can't have a say. Is there really no alternative to the ideas you are putting forward?
- Your information will be judged on who you are and your style as well as what you say.
Where appropriate
Information-only may be appropriate when:
- You have no room for manoeuvre and must follow one course of action - for example, where there is a clear legal requirement.
- An authority is reporting a course of action that is essentially internal and doesn't affect others.
- At the start of a consultation or other process, with the promise of more opportunity to participate later.
Methods
Consider the following:
- Print: leaflets, newsletters, etc.
- Presentations at meetings.
- Briefing the media through press releases and press conferences.
- Advertising through posters, radio, and press.
- Film or video.
Guidelines
- Use language and ideas that your audience will find familiar.
- Be clear about why you are just informing rather than consulting
Information checklist
Before taking an information-giving stance, consider:
- Are you clear which interests you are informing, and how much they know already?
- Are they likely to be satisfied with only information?
- Can you present your proposals in a way people will understand and relate to?
- Have you identified appropriate communication methods for the time available and audience?
- Are you prepared to change your stance if people want more than information?
| Section A | 1 2 3 4 5 6 | Section C |
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Introduction and Framework Section A Section B Section C Section D Section E |
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