We regularly hear of meetings, research and policies about the vision and planning for Southampton’s future. We welcome all of this.

But sometimes we wonder how the local community is represented in meetings and research. How have residents been involved in co-creating policy? We have seen that often there are places at the table for people from the big companies and institutions such as universities to explore issues and develop plans together. But are there places for the myriad of smaller community organisations or individuals who know the different neighbourhoods well and experience first hand the needs of Southampton’s people? 

Here at Southampton Collective, we think that without true representation and involvement from residents, plans can’t meet the actual needs of everyone in the city.

So we ask these questions for anyone setting up or running a forum in Southampton, undertaking research or issuing policy that affects local residents:

• How are local community members and residents represented and involved?

• How will you make sure there is representation and involvement from people from the various geographical areas of the city?

• Thinking specifically about people who are protected under the Equalities Act, has an Equalities Impact Assessment been carried out?

• Are the people sitting at the table (or involved virtually) in forums paid to be there or funded to work on this topic? How will you make sure that people from the voluntary and community sector are not excluded due to resources, funding issues or employment status? 

• Have you asked people what their barriers to involvement might be? And then worked to overcome these barriers?

There are many more questions that we could ask, but let’s start with these.