UHCW Foundation Trust Project Public Consultation Report
Consultation Methodology The recently developed Trust strategy/vision/objectives, identity and FT membership recruitment campaign were launched at the same time as the consultation and this allowed for a single publicity campaign covering all these aspects. Any opportunities focussing on a single aspect were used to bring in the other aspects and widen coverage, at little extra cost or effort, wherever possible. The FT consultation and membership campaign sat under the “Your Health, Your Trust, Your Say” banner, branded within the Trust’s new identity. This meant that promotional materials served both purposes and single design, print and production runs covered both. This led to significant economies of scale and the ability to carry out extensive awareness raising activity without excessive cost. It also allowed for comprehensive and coherent messaging using a wide variety of channels and media and saved time and effort both for presenters and audiences. This allowed us to reach a wider range and more audiences than would have otherwise been possible. Because membership forms were provided along with consultation documentation and visa versa (Appendix 2), analysis of our membership during the consultation period allowed us to measure, to some extent, our reach into “hard to reach” groups. We then did some targeted activities in the latter stages of the consultation period (e.g. Asian Carers’ Forum, young people at North Warwickshire College, the unemployed at a CSWP job fair) to ensure wide and representative coverage. The consultation document (Appendix 2), supported by information and additional materials on web-sites, in presentations and other communications materials, outlined what an FT is and why the Trust thinks this is the right move for all. It also provided information about membership and governors and how being an FT would work at the Trust. To reach as wide an audience as possible, the information was made available in different languages and formats, in hard copy and on the web site as both downloadable documents and an eBook, supported by extensive and regularly updated Questions and Answers and presentations. Hard copies were put on display at numerous sites across the Trust (Appendix 3), supported by posters, exhibition stands and information on plasma screens and ticker displays. For internal audiences, articles appeared regularly in the staff newsletter; InTouch and all staff email was used. A consultation feedback form was provided with a pre-addressed, freepost facility for its return. An on-line facility for submitting responses was also made available. This not only facilitated focused feedback via responses to specific questions, it also allowed additional comments and feedback via free text. Separate letter and email correspondence and even telephone calls to the FT office were also welcomed.
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