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Redefining engagement and shaping policymaking – NILGA

On 15th October 2024, the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA), in collaboration with Impera Analytics, conducted the first Citizen Led Impact (CLI) training for council officers in Northern Ireland. This two-day training event took place at the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council and included participants from various councils across Northern Ireland, focusing on enhancing community engagement practices.

Challenges

This project aimed to enhance how local councils consider community needs in policy-making. The CLI model prioritises lived experience and citizen voices, ensuring data-driven insights inform decisions. Traditional consultation methods often exclude some citizens, making it essential to balance digital engagement with traditional approaches for more inclusive public input in policymaking.

Approach

CLI prioritises citizen involvement in policymaking, enabling individuals to share their insights and experiences. This collaborative model fosters ownership, inclusivity, and trust in policy decisions.
The CLI training event equipped local council officers with tools and methods to involve citizens in policy creation, ensuring policies reflect community aspirations.

The event featured engaging activities, discussions, and practical applications of the CLI model, emphasising equitable engagement, data-driven decisions, and empowering marginalised voices.
Council officers received their Citizen Led Impact certificates, beginning a new era of community engagement in Northern Ireland.

Outcomes and benefits

Council officers are now trained to apply CLI principles in their local authorities. The next step is to integrate these practices into daily operations, ensuring community voices guide policy-making in Northern Ireland.

The training also achieved:

  • Broader public engagement in policymaking.
  • Better-informed decisions with comprehensive input and data.
  • Increased transparency in the policymaking process.
  • More effective interventions for specific community needs.
  • Strengthened trust between government and citizens through inclusive processes.

View original case study article at impera-analytics.com