Frequently Asked Questions

What is The LGA Big Conversation?

The Big Conversation gives us a unique and exciting opportunity to shape the future of the LGA, together. The online platform is designed to help us collaborate and co-create our new strategic framework, which will guide the way we work and deliver our ambitions.

We are holding two Big Conversations to gather input from across the organisation. One will involve all staff and another, running in parallel, will be a space for members, councils and other key partners to have their say. We want everyone who works for or with the LGA to have the chance to explore and agree our shared Why, What and How to support our collective success.

Why are we having a Big Conversation

Building on the excellent work already achieved across our organisation, we are now beginning our journey to develop a new strategic framework. Following discussions with the LGA Board, where Members highlighted the importance of establishing a strategic framework that steers our future direction, strengthens our impact, and ensure alignment with our shared objectives, providing a strong anchor for how we deliver best outputs for the sector.

The framework will provide clarity on:

1. WHY the LGA exists - our shared purpose and vision.
2. WHAT the LGA aims to achieve - our strategic goals and core missions, both in the near horizon (improving what we do) and the next horizon (creating the new).
3. HOW we work together - unpacking our values into clear behavioural expectations.

Who can get involved?

Everyone who works for or with the LGA, including staff, members, councils and key partners, is invited to join the online conversation and have their say. This is an important opportunity for all of us to contribute our insights and help shape the direction of the LGA for the coming years.

You will receive your login details by email. If you did not receive your login details please check your junk first. If you cannot find your login details you can email support@clevertogether.com 

What is an online conversation?

The LGA Big Conversation Conversation is hosted independently and operates like a virtual chatroom or discussion forum that you can join from any internet-connected device, at any time that suits you. It has been designed to be a psychologically safe place to share your opinions and have your voice heard.

Our conversation is intended to be an open and transparent place to post comments and suggestions anonymously, vote to support the ideas for others, or simply read what is being shared.

When will The LGA Conversation be open?

The conversation is open from 11 November until 5.59pm on 22 November 2024.

What are the rules?

We welcome all ideas, even those that could be potentially controversial or about difficult topics. However, we expect you to be respectful with your contributions.

Please take a moment to read our community guidelines, which include some practical tips on how to use the platform and have as good conversations, as well as outlining our simple ground rules:

• Keep it anonymous
• Keep it respectful
• Keep it relevant
• Keep it legal

Our community guidelines also include some practical tips on how to use the platform and guidelines for having a good conversation.

How can I contribute to the conversation?

There are three main ways to contribute to the Conversation:

1. Adding ideas
2. Commenting on the ideas of others
3. Voting on the ideas and comments of others

Do I have to make comments or post ideas?

No. You can simply log in and read the discussion or use the 'Like' and 'Dislike' buttons to submit your views. We believe that everyone has something to contribute.

Is it really anonymous?

Yes, your name or identifying information will not appear with any of your ideas, comments or votes on the platform. This means your contributions will be considered based on what you say, not who you are. Find out more about your anonymity here.

How can I see The LGA big Conversation in other languages?

On desktop

In the top right-hand corner of your screen, you will see a translation icon which looks like this:

Click on this icon and a toolbar will appear at the top of your screen.

Click on the translate icon(fifth from the left) – this will open a dropdown. You can either scroll through the list or use the search function to choose your language.

On mobile

Follow the first step above and you will see three icons appear at the bottom of your screen. Click on the settings cog icon and then select the translation icon (pictured above). Then, choose your language from the list. This will then automatically translate all the text on the page into your chosen language. You can change this back at any time by following the same steps.

What other accessibility features are available?

As well as translating the page, you can also:

• Have the page read out loud in its entirety
• Highlight certain blocks of text that can be read out loud
• Display pictures related to text selected
• Convert selected text into an MP3 file
• Reduce screen glare and increase focus\Magnify text
• Remove distracting content from pages

By selecting the question mark icon in the toolbar you can access more information on how to use these features.

Please note that some ad blockers can stop the accessibility features from working correctly. If you can't see the icon in the top right corner and you're running an ad-blocker, please disable it for this website and refresh the page. You should now be able to see the icon. If you are still having trouble, please get in touch with our team on support@clevertogether.com. Oh, and don't worry, there are no hidden trackers on this website anyway.

How is the conversation facilitated?

This Conversation is being facilitated by the Clever Together team. The Facilitators may need to:

• Move some Ideas to other sections of the Conversation if that’s where they more logically fit.
• Split some Ideas that discuss multiple topics in one post. If your Idea contains more than one distinct topic, the Facilitators may choose to break the post up into multiple posts.
• Deal with inappropriate contributions. If contributions are reported to the Facilitators as breaking the Ground Rules, they may remove an Idea or comment.

The Facilitators will always contact you (without knowing your identity, via an email sent through the platform) if they do any of the above with your contribution. They may also add comments to the Conversation, inviting you to expand further or asking clarifying questions.

How is the conversation Analysed?

All contributions, no matter  how large or small, will be read and analysed by Clever Together. They will then use qualitative thematic analysis to identify key themes and trends. Clever Together will highlight the main areas of discussion, and distill the findings into the building blocks of a new strategic framework for the LGA.

Who can I contact if I am having difficulty?

If you're having difficulty using the platform, please email the Clever Together team on support@clevertogether.com