Parish Action Plans
What is a Parish Action Plan?
A Parish Action Plan is an opportunity for the whole community to voice their opinion on what action they wish to see taken in their local area in the future.The Parish Action Plan:
- involves and includes everyone in the parish
- maps out services and facilities already in the community
- discovers what issues and opportunities people feel need addressing.
Why do a Parish Action Plan?
This information is used to form an action plan to look at how these issues can be tackled.- It is an opportunity to look forward for the next 5 to 10 years rather than just responding to tasks that need immediate action.
- A Parish Action Plan provides a collective view of what people in the parish want, providing a stronger voice for the community.
- It provides evidence of need and commitment, which may be used to influence local authorities, service providers and funders.
- It can test or encourage community backing for a project that has already been identified.
- It is an opportunity to bring everyone in the parish together strengthening community spirit & involvement.
Parish Action Plans - what is involved?
Getting started
Inform everyone in the community about the Parish Action Plan & ask for volunteers who are keen to be involved.Set up the group
The project will need a group of 8-15 people. (Ideally representing all sections of the community & the Parish Council.) Their role will be to plan & undertake the exercise & to keep the community informed & involved.Consider how you are going to go about it
Set a timescale, consider the costs involved & decide what methods you will use to ask the community their views.Getting everybody involved - discover the issues
It is important to find out the views of as many people as possible. You may need to concentrate on how to include those who do not traditionally involve themselves in village affairs.Gather opinions
Set up small working groups to look at the topics raised and gather further information. Contact outside organisations to ensure the actions decided upon are realistic, this will help prevent raising peoples expectations. You may decide to send a questionnaire to every household at this point.Bring things together
Collate all the findings from your research, consultations & discussions. Identify the key issues that need tackling & any opportunities that could lead to action.Action Planning
Discuss the findings & proposed actions with the community & outside organisations. Determine what actions are a priority, how long they will take, what funding they will need & what assistance may be required.Final report and action plan and the launch!
Finalise the report & action plan, then celebrate your success with a community launch. Distribute a summary of the Parish Action Plan to every household & the relevant authorities and organisations.Put the plan into action!
Now comes the most important part, making it happen. Make sure you publicise your achievements, check progress against your targets & report back to the community on a regular basis.
What support is available?
BRCC can provide advice & guidance throughout the Parish Action Plan process. For further information please contact:Zoe Ashby on 01234 832618 or Jemma McLean on 01234 832617