I have worked in partnership with Brighton and Hove City Council (BHCC) and other councils on many consultation projects since 1998. I have proven able to work in partnership with BHCC and embody its values and approach to diversity and equalities when working with its residents and employees. In order to be effective as a researcher and to make recommendations from residents’ and employees’ opinions, I have had to understand how local government and public services work.

I have worked closely with BHCC officers to communicate simply issues such as council tax and council leadership options, to inform the public so they can participate in consultation effectively. I have jointly run focus groups with BHCC’s Communication and Finance Directors.

I have carried out consultation for BHCC about:

• council budgets and council tax;

• leadership options for Council members;

• BME and equalities in housing, health and council employment;

• LGBT issues;

• communication (perceptions of the council through its website, advertising, leaflets and magazines, front line staff etc.);

• waste and recycling;

• transport;

• libraries and information;

• museum services.

My reports have been used by elected councillors to aid their decisions.