Raising the Bar - early community engagement guidance for applicants

We have prepared guidance for early community engagement to support high-quality, pre-application engagement for development schemes. Engagement should start early, be consistent, and support the delivery of high-quality places across Richmond. The approach should be transparent and closely linked to the design and decision-making processes.

Raising the Bar provides information on developing an engagement strategy, engaging with our communities and the Council’s engagement expectations for applicants. The requirements for Statements of Community Involvement are also covered.

Using the guidance

The guidance is for applicants and developers of major schemes (10+ dwellings). However, some smaller schemes should also incorporate the guidance into engagement strategies when a significant impact is expected.

Read Raising the Bar guidance

Early engagement strategies

To help applicants develop an engagement strategy, we have produced an engagement strategy template.

We can also offer support to help develop and tailor your engagement strategy.

See the following links for more information on how to identify key stakeholders and community focal points near your site:

• DataRich: A Richmond focussed data library
• Your Community Centres | Where Connections Thrive: A list of Community Facilities in the borough that you might use when hosting engagement activities
• Cost of Living Directory: Community and Social Support spaces listed by war
• Local Networks and forums - Richmond CVS: Charity groups across the borough
• GLA: A map of cultural infrastructure listed by borough