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Context: Multiple public bodies recognised the need for coordinated approaches to equality outcomes affecting citizens across organisational boundaries, so Edinburgh, West Lothian, East Lothian, Midlothian Councils and NHS Lothian formed a partnership to develop a shared set of equality themes and outcomes based on research, evidence, and conversations with services and organisations, while each organisation remained responsible for their own outcomes and action plans
Approach: The partnership developed joint equality outcomes through collaborative consultation.
Implementation:
- Joint consultation conducted 3 November to 22 December 2020
- 257 responses received, with 92% from individuals
- Shared consultation and engagement processes
Impact:
- Comprehensive consultation reaching diverse communities
- Coordinated approach to identifying range of actions required to address inequalities and meet needs of different groups in the Lothian population across organisational boundaries
- Evidence-based policy development informed by lived experience
Key learning:
- Partnership working amplifies impact and reduces duplication
- Joint consultations provide richer, more comprehensive feedback, encourages participation and reduces ‘consultation fatigue’
- Cross-boundary working better reflects citizen experiences
(Source: Equality Outcomes 2021-2025 Consultation feedback, Edinburgh Council)