Building Trust in Public Bodies- a path to better public involvement?

In the United Kingdom, trust in public institutions is essential for the effective functioning of society. From local councils to national government agencies, these bodies play a crucial role in shaping policies, delivering services, and upholding the rule of law. However, trust in public bodies has faced significant challenges in recent years, fuelled by factors such as scandals, misinformation, and a perceived lack of transparency. Yet, building and maintaining trust is not an insurmountable task. In this blog post, we explore defining trust, why it matters and strategies to improve trust in public bodies in the UK.

What does ‘trust’ in public bodies mean?

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has identified five domains or drivers that can influence trust: integrity, responsiveness, reliability, openness, and fairness. The OECD conducts an annual survey which includes the satisfaction with the NHS figures which hit the headlines recently (spoiler, its fallen). ?In their wider survey they ask three questions for each of the five drivers of Trust. Respondents were asked how likely they thought it was that scenarios based on these drivers would happen in the UK. Spoiler: for example, integrity scores have worsened over the last year: https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/wellbeing/datasets/trustingovernmentuk

So what is fuelling this fall in levels of trust in public bodies? Could it be that the public inquiries which have found public servants have lacked integrity have contributed to this? Leveson, Taylor, Langstaff and now the Williams Inquiries have all identified the need for public servants to be more open with citizens about their ‘workings out’ (and any errors they have made in these considerations)

Why Trust Matters in public consultations

Trust is the cornerstone of a healthy democracy and vibrant communities. When people trust their public institutions, they are more likely to engage in civic activities, comply with laws, and contribute to the common good. Trust also fosters cooperation between citizens and governments, enabling effective policymaking and service delivery. Without trust, public bodies struggle to garner support for their initiatives, leading to inefficiency and public disengagement.

Strategies for Building Trust in public consultation

Despite these challenges, there are tangible steps that public bodies can take to rebuild trust and strengthen their relationship with the community:

1. Transparency and Accountability: Public bodies should prioritise transparency in their decision-making processes, ensuring that information is readily accessible to the public. Accountability mechanisms, such as independent oversight and robust ethics codes, can help hold officials accountable for their actions.

2. Engagement and Participation: Meaningful engagement with the community is key to building trust. Public bodies should actively seek input from citizens on issues that affect them, whether through public consultations, citizen assemblies, or digital platforms. By involving citizens in decision-making, public bodies can demonstrate responsiveness and legitimacy.

3. Ethical Leadership: Leaders within public bodies must demonstrate integrity and ethical behaviour. By upholding high standards of conduct and holding themselves accountable, leaders can set a positive example for their organisations and inspire trust among the public.

4. Communication and Education: Effective communication is essential for building trust. Public bodies should communicate clearly and honestly with the public, providing accurate information and addressing concerns promptly. Additionally, investing in public education initiatives can help combat misinformation and promote understanding of the role and function of public institutions.

5. Equity and Inclusion: Public bodies must strive to be inclusive and equitable in their policies and practices. By ensuring that all voices are heard and that services are delivered fairly and impartially, public bodies can build trust among diverse communities and address disparities in access and outcomes.

Conclusion:

Building trust in public bodies is a continuous process that requires commitment, transparency, and accountability. By prioritising engagement, ethical leadership, and inclusivity, public bodies in the UK can strengthen their legitimacy and foster stronger connections with the communities they serve. Ultimately, a culture of trust is essential for promoting a thriving democracy and building a brighter future for all citizens.