This framework shapes how our existing values should be used for community engagement.  

Each value has a set of behaviors about:  

• How we do things 
• How we treat residents, external partners and the community 
• How we expect to be treated whilst doing community engagement 
• The way we communicate and how we say things 

Value 1: Community engagement behaviours 

1. We listen and learn from residents and communities to provide services and engagement activities which improves lives 
2. We provide relevant, accessible and clear information about engagement activities our communities, businesses and residents can take part in 
3. We signpost and support residents to access the services they need 
4. All engagement materials are in clear language with no jargon or language only experts understand 
5. We put the resident first, thinking about their needs and working together for a community solution and approach  

Value 2: Community engagement behaviours  

1. We always treat everyone as equals, with respect, fairness and dignity including during community engagements 
2.  We listen to the community. 
3.  We empathise with our communities to better understand their experiences and needs 
4. We ensure residents and communities feel safe and respected when engaging with the Council 
5. We create environments that build relationships where communities feel they can speak up about their issues. 

Value 3: Community engagement behaviours 

1. We communicate with our communities about expectations and what can be achieved by the engagement. 
2. We communicate the outcomes of any engagement activity. We detail why and how decisions have been made, including when we’re not able to respond to community consensus. 
3. We are clear about the engagement activity, including the level of influence the community and residents have  
4. We develop activities relative to the community and our residents. We are creative with our engagement. 

Value 4: Community engagement behaviours 

• We look for ways to do engagement better with and for the community. 
• We identify with the community what engagement and changes will make the most difference. 
• We collaborate with the community around engagement activity and are committed to learning from our experiences. 
• We use and share knowledge, skills and expertise across the organisation to ensure consistent and high-quality community engagement. 
• We liaise with our community partners and keep learning from them and our practices in delivering community engagement. 
• We celebrate our communities' contribution and share success stories to highlight and evidence impact. 

Value 5: Community engagement behaviours 

• We develop opportunities for collaboration across the Council so that community engagement thrives. 
• We work in cross team, multi-discipline community engagement to deliver the Our Greenwich corporate plan 
• We monitor and measure outcomes, so the Council can be effective and see the benefits of engagement through the organisation and the community. 

Our 4 principles for community engagement 

Create open dialogues and share engaging communications 

• Firstly, ask the community for thoughts and feedback 
• Share clear information 
• Ensure communications are available in accessible and inclusive formats 
• Create jargon and acronym free materials 
• Request feedback from the community during any engagement activity 

Encourage thriving relationships 

• Build trust with partners and residents 
• Harness community knowledge, insight and expertise 
• Be open, respectful and responsive 

Foster honesty around influence and impact 

• Highlight what can be achieved 
• Provide the time needed for engagement and build community capacity 
• Make sure activity is needed and evidence driven 
• Ensure updates include how contributions have influenced any decision 
• Share outcomes and impact 

Collaborate together with communities

• Work locally with stakeholders 
• Liaise on the ground with communities  
• Develop engagement activities together