"Nina Harding facilitated a strategic planning session for the board of
The Association of Surfing Professionals (International) Limited ("ASP").
This multi-national group of about 15 people met for three days in
France in 2003 and enjoyed what many in that group felt
was the most productive meeting held to date.
Nina's contribution was particularly helpful in keeping the group moving forward.
...each person present, through her skillful management, had ample opportunity to contribute."

Richard Grellman
Chairman ASP

Big Picture Small Picture –

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. 

 

Some communities have been very effective in slowing down and sometimes stopping development (such as, the Wombarra Drainage Tunnel, South Coast).  It makes good business sense to understand and respond to community concerns.

 

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 the project.  Ideally, the company should be ready to listen to and to act on community concerns.

 

‘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 line.  Avoiding and managing community concerns will improve the efficiency and lower the costs of your project in the long term.

 

It is good practice to encourage the community to voice their concerns so that a thorough list of issues can be developed.  When the concerns and issues are identified we can discuss these with the stakeholders, analysing the issues and canvassing solutions.

 

 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 acknowledge 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, issues (phone) line, information contact points, direct mailouts, displays, public meetings, newsletters, a frequently updated web page, regular information sessions, media briefings, information material such as videos and printed material and workshops.) 

 

 How to Ensure a Community Consultation Works

1.              Show clearly what is proposed and how it will benefit the community .  But don’t just sell the project!

 

2.              Keep the community and other stakeholders (such as local government) informed of progress.  Be open, helpful and available to respond to enquiries.

 

3.              Watch for changing needs and try to address these.

 

4.              Appoint a facilitator who will establish contacts and build trust with the community.

 

 What is Community Consultation?

Community Consultation can mean different things to different people.  Simply, it is about listening to people’s needs, concerns and fears and addressing these in an appropriate way.

 

Community Consultation can also involve managing people’s perceptions.  Community consultation encourages the use of Principled Negotiation techniques.

 Why Consult?

Today communities are more vocal and concerned about what is going on around them.  Communities that are motivated, can, exercise considerable influence over decision-making authorities.  It is good to consult early to understand the concerns of the community and analyse the options available and risks associated with certain options. 

 
What Do Communities Want/Expect?

Communities want to be reassured that a development will have no negative impact on their lifestyle.  Communities now expect that community consultation will begin at the start of a project and continue for the life of the project.

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