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Revised (Nov 21 2008)
Key stages of a public involvement program
Stage one: planning
The focus at this stage is on developing a thorough understanding of the issues involved, the decisions to be made, the stakeholders involved and the appropriate level of involvement. It may be valuable to consult with key community contacts to gauge public response and interest.
Stage two: communications
The primary purpose of this stage is to develop a common understanding of what is proposed and what the implications are for various interests. If stakeholders are to provide meaningful input, it is vital they be provided with information on the decision to be made. This information can be provided in a number of ways. (See Forms of communication)
Stage three: engagement
The goal of engagement is to increase understanding and joint problem-solving. At this stage, information is exchanged, learning takes place and relationships are built. Input is gathered from stakeholders and the board’s focus is on listening.
Stage four: resolution and feedback
At this stage the decision is made and results are reported to the community. Reporting back to the community is an essential component of all good consultation processes. This is when the board should:
- identify and communicate issues and concerns that were identified during the consultation
- detail how the input was incorporated, and
- discuss how decisions were made.
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Levels of engagement
