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Community engagement

Residents, community groups, parish and town councils, voluntary sector organisations, and local businesses all play a part in shaping our experience of Bedford Borough. Community engagement is where we foster positive relationships with diverse community groups, voluntary and third sector organisations that serve communities in Bedford, to help us broaden our understanding of the needs and values of residents. 

We engage with residents, voluntary sector groups, and community groups in a variety of ways, including (but not limited to) the various forums that we facilitate:

  • Community Network – Voluntary sector organisations, community groups, and faith groups are invited to join us along with the CVS to share learning and network.
  • Black, Asian, and Ethnic Minority Voice Forum – A forum led by local organisations allowing residents from ethnic minority groups to come together and influence decisions that they are passionate about, raise concerns, and celebrate moving forward with anti-racism at the heart of service delivery and engagement.
  • Citizens Panel – Residents are able to sign up and be part of the citizens panel, where consultations and surveys are circulated, as well as opportunities to participate in engagement events and/or processes
  • Parish and Town Councils Network – Open to all Town and Parish Councils within the Borough to share information and support.

Please email communities@bedford.gov.uk if you are interested in finding out more about any of the community forums above.

Community Engagement Strategy

At Bedford Borough Council, we are developing a draft Community Engagement Strategy, to outline how we should engage with residents and community groups to deliver community engagement and consultation on council decisions and processes.

Bedford Borough is rich in diversity, culture, knowledge, and history - it is important that we build relationships with all communities, so that our knowledge of individual lifestyles, needs, and interests are reflective in our services, policies, and strategic approaches.

We have worked with partners, community groups and organisations, residents, and young people to create the draft Community Engagement Strategy. 

Community, voluntary and faith groups

You may find these links helpful to search for local groups:

Community and Faith in Bedford - the University of Bedfordshire's chaplaincy will introduce you to some of the many and diverse faith communities in Bedford and can may help you to find a place of worship or in make contact with a particular faith community.

Find an Organisation - a directory of voluntary and community organisations in Bedfordshire from Community Voluntary Service (CVS).