It is helpful to assess previous experience of involvement and people's reaction to that experience. Identifying local issues of concern, which are often key motivators or barriers to involvement. Logistical factors such as location, transport and childcare can affect a person's ability to be involved. Most people believe community involvement to be a good thing but only a minority have experience of it. The involvement potential of different communities varies considerably.
Generalisations can be dangerous.
Involvement centres around the ability and willingness of residents and other agencies to get involved. Clear and honest objective setting and a policy framework in which to operate is vital. Staff should not only be skilled but also have confidence in organisational backup in case of difficulty. Effective information-gathering should feed the views of residents into the decision making process. Results should be seen and residents should receive prompt information about decisions.