PB360
PB360 is a new approach to participatory budgeting (PB). It has been developed by the Participatory Budgeting Unit (PBU) and Izwe fusing the best of face-to-face and online processes, to ensure 21st century PB harnesses the potential of the internet whilst maintaining its community building roots
The convergence of the budget cuts, Big Society and public disquiet has created a unique opportunity to engage the public with mainstream and service budgets. The current emphasis on budget simulators and budget literacy programmes are not sufficient however for generating meaningful and sustained engagement with its associated benefits.
PB360 offers an alternative, particularly aimed at those pioneering authorities with a genuine commitment to change. We will work together with interested organisations to develop an approach and package which suits their needs.
The programme includes:
- Co-designing a bespoke PB360 process
- Meaningfully engaging community members in decisions related to the chosen budget
- Building capacity of the public sector organisation in delivering PB processes and effectively prioritising budgets
- Building capacity of the public sector organisation and the community in using online engagement, deliberation and dissemination tools.
Programme Components
The initial phase of the programme will last approximately 12 months and the organisation will receive recommendations and support for continuing the process for an additional 24 months. The programme will consist of four core elements:
Strategic Support: we will work with you to design a sustainable, cyclical engagement strategy that integrates with existing processes and priorities as far as possible
Delivery: depending on partner requirements this could include budget literacy workshops, facilitation of internal and public stakeholder meetings, as well as support for other areas of programme delivery and evaluation
Training: bespoke training will be offered to build capacity of successful applicants in both participatory budgeting processes and the integration of face-to-face with online engagement
Technological Installation and Support: each partner will receive their own social web platform.
Programme Benefits
- Cost Savings: integrating local, service and strategic engagement; providing cost effective engagement mechanisms
- Permanent Community: a bespoke online platform for use across all LA engagement activities, with a growing and sustainable community
- 360 Engagement: continue and build your pioneering engagement work, providing an example to other authorities
- Stronger Communities: better relationships and capacity to make shared decisions
Legitimacy: increased legitimacy and positive profile in a challenging context.
Interested?
If your'e interested in the PB360 approach please get in touch with either the PB Unit or with Izwe through Rachel Aveyard, Research Manager, at Izwe on 020 7608 0815 or email at rachel.aveyard@izwe.com.
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