Date of Request
18/08/2025
Request
Dear Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service,
The information that we require, under the Freedom of Information Act, is as follows:
1) Do you use a Citizen Engagement platform?
2) If so, what tools do you use?
3) How much do you spend annually on a Citizen Engagement tool?
4) Which month & year does your contract with your supplier end?
A citizen engagement platform is a digital tool or system designed to facilitate communication, interaction, and participation between citizens and government or public institutions. Its goal is to make civic involvement easier, more transparent, and more effective.
These platforms can be used by governments, cities, or organisations to:
Collect feedback on policies, services, or community issues Conduct surveys and polls Enable reporting of local issues, like potholes or graffiti Share updates, news, and documents with the public Encourage participatory budgeting or co-creation of solutions
Examples include tools like Granicus (EngagementHQ), CitizenSpace, SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics or Commonplace They can play a major role in increasing transparency, accountability, and trust in public decision-making.
Yours faithfully,
Response
Hi
We thank you for your request for information, which has been received by Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (the Service) and considered under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) 2000
The Service can confirm that the information that you have requested is held. We do not use a Citizen Engagement Platform.
If you have any questions regarding your request, please contact Information Governance and Committee Services on tel: 0345 122 4454 or by e-mail informationrequests@hwfire.org.uk. In any such communication please include the reference number assigned (see Subject).
Should you have any queries regarding the management of your request and wish to make either a complaint or request a review of the information disclosed to you, please do so by using Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service’s complaints system: Comments and Complaints. This must be done within 40 working days of our response to your request. After this date and in line with ICO guidance the Service is not obliged to provide an internal review of your request.
If you are not satisfied with the outcome of the internal review, you may appeal the decision by contacting the Information Commissioner, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, SK9 5AF, Tel: 0303 123 1113 (alternatively 01625 545745) or E-mail: casework@ico.org.uk.
Further information on Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service may be viewed at the Service’s website: www.hwfire.org.uk
Thank you for your request for information.
Kind regards
Information Governance Team