“"East Lothian benefits from having strong, active communities contributing massively to the success and vibrancy of the local area. People living and working in the county are also key to addressing some of the challenges we face in the delivery of services and supporting people who need our help. “While we established really strong relationships over the years and there are great examples of us working together, it is important to think about how we can put in place enhanced approaches which strengthen the influence people can have on the decisions that affect them. "We welcome the publication of Professor Hall’s findings and will now take the time to carefully consider its recommendations and how they can help us continue to improve engagement and strengthen our relationship with communities in the years ahead."
East Lothian Council Reviews Community Engagement Approaches
An independent review highlights strengths and identifies opportunities to enhance community influence in decision-making processes.
By Kirsty Lennox
••2 min read
AI
Generic image of an empty council meeting room with microphones on the table.
An independent review into East Lothian Council's community engagement strategies has been presented, highlighting strengths and proposing enhancements to increase community influence.
An independent review, conducted by Professor Donna Hall CBE, has explored the council's current approaches to community engagement. The review involved discussions with elected members, council officers, community representatives, partners, and voluntary sector organisations.
A report on the review, presented to members at a recent full meeting of East Lothian Council, identified several strengths. These include strong community assets and civic pride, dedicated staff, positive relationships with the voluntary sector, and effective work already underway through Area Partnerships, community councils, and locality planning arrangements.
The review also pinpointed opportunities to foster stronger relationships with communities, increase their influence in decision-making, enhance partnership working, and embed community engagement more consistently throughout the organisation.
Councillors acknowledged the review's findings and agreed that further work would be undertaken to consider the recommendations in detail. A subsequent report will outline proposed next steps, including priorities, resources, timescales, and implementation plans.
Papers for the council meeting, including the review report, can be found on the council website.
Based on information from the official source: East Lothian Council (09/11/2026)
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