with the Policy Unit?
with the Policy Unit? If you do need to consult/engage, at the earliest opportunity it is good practice to log your intention to consult/engage with the Policy Unit. You can do this by completing the attached form and returning it to the Policy Unit at policy@shetland.gov.uk or write to Policy Unit, Town Hall, Lerwick. Information will then be shared online through Shetland's Datashare Site and Shetland Islands Council Internet Site.
Within the SIC, the Chief Executive's Office has overall responsibility for Council communication and should be kept informed of any consultation exercise.
Within NHS Shetland the Patient Focus Public Involvement (PFPI) agenda is coordinated by a local steering group. This group has a remit to support the PFPI agenda through the development of a sustainable framework. This group is also able to offer support for NHS staff who may wish to undertake local projects or need advice as well as act as a resource for those organisations or individuals who require specific information on, or wish to support, the activities of the Board.
Use existing Networks and Forums where you can discuss initial ideas and get input from others before putting together options and proposals. These forums could also be used after a wider consultation to refine and finalise your options in the light of the feedback that you have received. If there is potential to share, or if there is another exercise you can join up with that fits your time frame, opportunities should be pursued if at all possible, adapting time-scales if possible, to avoid consultation overload.
You can check with the Policy Unit on 01595 744537, policy@shetland.gov.uk or write to Policy Unit, Town Hall, Lerwick for information on past, present and future exercises.
Consultation should be linked to a decision that is to be made. You need to identify at what point the decision on this issue will be taken and work your timetable back from that point. The timing of any consultation/engagement should be considered to ensure that convenient opportunities to participate are available to everyone. The time allowed for this exercise should be adequate with enough time to publicise fully. It is important also to give people sufficient time to respond and be aware of significant events that will effect people’s participation.
Time needs to be built in to collate, analyse and consider the responses and for results to be considered by the appropriate management teams. Time should also be built in for feedback and evaluation.