Community Engagement Training Workshop

Industry is increasingly expected to engage with community stakeholders.  This can bring real benefits to industry in terms of community support and feedback, but it can also result in real headaches.

There are many different kinds of community engagement.  It is important for businesses to understand the rationale behind community partnership, why it is good for business, the risks and costs and the options available.

This training Program can be designed to meet the needs of your group, but generally aims to achieve the following goals: 

q Discuss conflict and how it impacts on businesses in Australia today

q Highlight the benefits and costs of community participation

q Develop an understanding of the Principles of Community Participation

q Use the knowledge and skill of participants to undertake a risk/benefit assessment process in relation to their own plant/site

q Create a plan for a community engagement that meets the needs of each site and the needs of the community. Determine what (if anything) is required for each site at present and within 5 years.

The course aims to develop the following skills:

• An understanding of the principles of community participation and partnership.

• Risk/benefit assessment – how to ascertain current and potential community concerns, and understand what communities need from your business.

• A methodology to identify potential impacts that may be perceived adversely (or  beneficially).  For instance, amendments to existing licences to operate.

• Decision making on appropriate processes – working through a decision tree of objectives, stakeholders and resources needed to identify the most appropriate community engagement tools.

• Planning for community engagement – once the tools have been identified, developing a timeline and plan for their implementation.

• Skills assessment – identifying the skills available within the organisation to assist with the implementation of the plan.

• Communication and Dispute Resolution skills for avoiding and managing disputes with communities and others.