BME Consultation Panel

If you are interested in conducting a consultation with our panel please contact us.

To download the leaflet click here

To download the newsletter issue one click here

What is it? 
The BME Consultation Panel has been set up by us to make sure that there is an effective consultation mechanism for local public sector agencies. The Panel is made up of Black and Minority Ethnic people from across Cheshire, Halton and Warrington areas who have agreed to get involved and respond to consultation requests.

Why should I get involved?
Because it’s an opportunity for you to have a say in issues that affect not just your life, but those around you too. If people from BME backgrounds don’t get involved then policies and procedures won’t necessarily reflect the needs of those communities.

Which agencies are consulting?
We currently work with a wide range of agencies, such as the local authorities, the fire service, the police and other criminal justice agencies. All agencies that engage the panel however are required to sign up to a common framework which complies with good practice.

When is it?
There are consultations throughout the year with different agencies.  After you have registered with us, we will advise you when there is one coming up, or if you want to know when the next one is, please get in touch.

Why do I have to fill in a questionnaire? (Download the application form here)
The more information we have the better we can match you up your profile to consultations. So for example if we had a focus group on disability issues for Chester residents we would be able to pull out those people who lived in Chester and had expressed an interest in disability issues. It also means that we can identify where there are gaps in the panel in terms of gender, ethnicity, age, disability and residence.  

But I don’t understand government jargon!
You don’t have to. All the agencies are committed to an agreed framework for consultation – which includes any information being written in plain English, with a basic summary of the issues being provided and a variety of formats including translations.

Who can be involved?
It is specifically only for people from Black and Minority Ethnic backgrounds. The reason for this is because people from BME groups tend to be poorly represented in standard consultation methods used by public sector agencies. You can join as an individual or to represent a group- just be clear when you are being consulted what capacity you are acting in.

What do we mean by BME?
We mean people who are from a Black or Minority Ethnic background. That in everyday terms means anyone who isn’t from the White British majority. This includes white minority groups too like Eastern Europeans and Gypsies and Travellers. 

What commitment is expected of me?
The commitment you make is up to you. You will always be notified of consultation, but you might not want to get involved every time. Focus groups will be called for some consultation and not others – so your involvement depends on you!   To see a copy of the consultation charter click here.

Where will meetings be held?
If we are holding focus groups then we will hold them in various places across the county to make them as accessible as possible. If the consultation isn’t near to you may be able to help with transport. 

I don’t want to attend meetings, is there another way I can get involved?
There are a variety of different ways you can be consulted – it’s up to you to choose the method you would like us to use:
  Postal Questionnaire
  E-mail
  One to one meeting
  Telephone Interview

We also hope that in the near future members will be able to access and respond to consultations via our website.

What about expenses?
We value your input and so we will pay you £25 (£20 for small local groups) for attendance at any consultation meeting.  We will pay you £5 for any completed postal survey*

*All amounts will be paid in gift vouchers, either Love2Shop or Sainsbury's.

I want to get involved – what do I do now?
Contact us on Tel: 01244 400730, or e-mail office@chawrec.org.uk or complete the application form and return to us to be added to the panel.