We think the most important thing is to find someone or a number of people who understand what you do, why you are doing it and most importantly believe in what you are doing and the good that it brings.
There are a lot of fantastic people who work in councils who are really keen to get behind and support the type of things you are doing. It is also wise to appreciate that even though it is within their remit and what you are doing supports council officer’s work, there are some people that won’t want to engage with you and can appear to put problems and barriers in your way. It is important to stay positive and find someone else, as there is great support there, you just need to find it.
This is by no means exhaustive, but here is are some council departments that might yield some success: Communities, Economic Development, Public Health, Environmental Health, Procurement, Education, Children’s Services, Volunteer Services, Street Scene, Marketing and Communication, Finance, Governance & Support Services.
- A really good way to engage with your local council and to start to find the best person or people, is to contact your local ward councillor Ward councillors are always on the lookout and to be ‘involved’ or aligned with great things that are benefitting the area and people within their ward. Get them on your side, and that is a big tick in the box, and then work with their knowledge of the council and the movers and shakers within it to get more people interested and involved. Find Your Local Ward Councillor Here
- You could always ask around other local community groups or people who are doing something similar and see who they are working with in the local council. Then ask them who is the best person for you to talk to, or even ask them to introduce you.
- Pick up the phone and call the main switchboard. The staff there are very knowledgeable and hopefully will be able to direct you to the right department or person. Then have a chat with who you get put through to, as they might also be able to recommend others to get in contact with.
- Think about what you are doing, and who the main beneficiaries are. Are you delivering growing with children or older people, or is your group providing mental or physical exercise or reducing isolation? Then try and talk to someone in Children Services or Public Health etc.
- Does your area have a Food Partnership? If so, then contact them as they will have strong links with the local council and a wider support network. For more information about local food, see the Working with local business section.
- When you contact someone, be clear about what you want to do. Give them examples of the type of things you will do or grow, timescales, how much space it will take up and if it will cause a hazard to the public. Try and understand what their drivers are and then make the case to them why they should support the work that you are doing.
- Local councils are very risk averse, and so they want to know that whatever you are planning to do will provide almost zero risk to the general public. Also state that your group will tend the space, which we’re sure they’ll like to hear, as then they won’t have to.
- Another really important thing to appreciate is that no two councils are the same and in a neighbouring area the best route ‘in’ might be ‘x’, that might not be the case in your local council. You might need to do a bit of trial and error until you find someone that you click with.
Can you help add to these top tips? If so, let us know…
