We worked closely with the project managers and sponsor of Shirebrook Academy in North East Derbyshire, advising on top line messages and devising a consultation strategy to reach key stakeholders.

We identified the most effective methods of communication for different groups and individuals and developed a selection of feedback channels for all stakeholders, to ensure they found the consultation process as easy as possible.

Based on our experience of developing Academy consultations, we understand that creating this ease is particularly vital for communications with any vocal minority who may be unsure about the proposed changes and founding of an Academy.

Co-ordinating with the project managers and sponsor we developed a set of consultation documents to reach stakeholders throughout the consultation process. We designed a questionnaire which was made available to stakeholders during the process through a selection of channels, described below.

We designed and produced a consultation booklet with a questionnaire in the back, and a newsletter which informed stakeholders of key consultation dates.  This also included a tear off questionnaire that can be made into an envelope.

Respondents replied to Communitas' Freepost address and the sponsor and project managers also chose to use our phone facilities for any questions stakeholders had. 

In addition, we arranged domain name hosting and designed and produced a website for the Academy to use during the consultation process. It included important and useful information on the proposed Academy for stakeholders and allowed users to fill out and submit a questionnaire online. The website is now used by the Academy to keep stakeholders informed of developments and to raise awareness about what the Academy will offer.