Community Engagement

We provide community engagement services to companies wishing to manage the impact of new developments (or existing processes) on their local community.

We can provide advice on designing, facilitating and networking for a healthy long term relationship between companies and their local communities.

We offer the following assistance:

• Risk management tools to identify issues which may cause conflict with a local community,

• We can provide advice on how to manage / resolve conflict with local communities,

• We can assist companies to establish communication channels with their local community (including with action groups),

• We can train your staff to identify issues that might lead to conflict, how to communicate effectively and deal with angry people and how to engage with communities in a constructive manner,

• We can provide support for staff with training and toolkits for dispute resolution and the skills necessary to confidently develop long term relationships with a diversity of stakeholders,

• Facilitation of public meetings,

• Design of workshops and processes to resolve / manage conflict.

Why Consult with the Community?

These days communities are very concerned about changes in their neighbourhood.  Communities want their interests taken into account by the government (as decision makers) and by developers and landowners. By consulting with the community it should be possible to identify issues that are likely to cause problems later. This relationship can continue through the life of a project or the life of a site ‘In this way the people who are managing the project become part of the community. In other words, they don’t just promote the project to the community, but they involve the community in making sure that the project develops for the benefit of everyone.’[1]

Consulting with the community is a good way to avoid and manage concerns which could have an impact on the project down the track.  Avoiding and managing community concerns can improve a company’s relationship with its neighbours and stakeholders into the long term.

Some Principles of Community Consultation

• broadly encourage participation, so no groups feel left out.

• begin the consultation as early as possible

• stick to your promises and commitments,

• identify special interest groups and try to understand their concerns.

It is important to explain to the community what the goals of the community consultation are. In this way people’s expectations will be met and no-one should feel disappointed in the process. 

How to Involve the Community

There are many ways to do this, including;  establishing links with the community (perhaps through the local council,  an issues (phone) line, information contact points, direct mailouts, displays, facilitated public meetings, newsletters, a frequently updated web page, regular information sessions, media briefings, information material such as videos and printed material , workshops and open days.  These options can be very affordable but need to be designed to achieve the companies goals. 

How to Ensure a Community Consultation Works

1. Show clearly what is proposed and how it will benefit the community.  Don’t just sell the project!  Be forthright about the perceived benefits for your business and listen to concerns.

2. Keep the community and other stakeholders (such as local government) informed of progress.  Be open, helpful and available to respond to enquiries.  Perhaps allocate a staff member primarily to this task to build a relationship.  We can provide skilled staff who can maintain contact with stakeholders and groups throughout a process.  This is a great way to hear about complaints quickly and to facilitate a rapid response.

3. Watch for changing needs and try to address these.  Consulting includes asking the community for their advice – avoid even the appearance of assuming you have all the answers, be genuine.

4. Appoint a facilitator who will establish contacts and build trust with the community.  It is wise to use a skilled independent facilitator to manage meetings involving an angry or frustrated community

What Do Communities Want/Expect?

Communities want to be reassured that a development will have no negative impact on their lifestyle. Beyond that, communities want a sincere, long term and mutually beneficial relationship with a company and/or development. Communities now expect that consultation will begin at the start of a project and continue for the life of the project. They expect the basic principles underlying good neighbourly relations to apply. They expect transparency and access

For more information or to discuss the needs of your local community please Contact Us.
 

[1] From Best Practice in Environmental Management in the Mining Industry; Environment Australia

Note: Nina Harding and Dr Jane Elix of ‘Jane Elix Consulting’ collaborate on projects of a large and complex nature.