Early in 2010 we were appointed by the East Lindsey District Council to undertake an evaluation of three engagement approaches in East Lindsey, namely; Neighbourhood Management, the South Wolds Parish Cluster and the Community Cabinet. The aim of the project was to;

1. Assess how well each approach was working, in terms of engaging people, raising confidence, deepening democracy, empowering citizens, improving local services and providing value for money
2. Identify what weaknesses exist in each approach and suggest ways to improve existing engagement models
3. Evaluate which approach, or combination of approaches, are most appropriate and where.

Working with a mixed methodology, including interviews, focus groups and on line surveys, we were able to recommend a range of changes that would work with the geographic diversity of East Lindsey to form a district wide structure of engagement. These ideas have been very well received and are now being implemented.