Elements and Performance Criteria
- Conduct an issue analysis
- A framework is developed to assist in analysing an issue that requires community engagement.
- Key stakeholders are identified and consulted in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
- The framework is used to conduct the analysis, and community engagement options are identified in accordance with organisational requirements.
- Scope community engagement activity or program
- Parameters and constraints of community engagement are identified, including time and resource limitations.
- The purpose and objectives of community engagement are established in consultation with key stakeholders, including what is negotiable, and what is not is clarified with relevant personnel.
- Objectives are developed that are relevant, achievable, measurable, flexible enough to allow for the emergence of new options or ideas and linked to program/project objectives.
- The target community is defined in accordance with the purpose, objectives and scope of activity.
- The level of community engagement, methods and techniques are determined to suit the purpose, objectives, target community and scope of activity.
- Likely barriers to community engagement involvement and strategies to address them are identified.
- Design community engagement activity or program
- Opportunities are identified and used, where possible, to involve the community in the design of the engagement activity or program and its evaluation.
- Benefits for community involvement in the engagement process are identified, both for the organisation and the community.
- Relevant government/agency guidelines, protocols, systems and processes are identified and applied.
- Program is designed to address risks and issues with appropriate mitigation measures and includes strategies to identify and include those missed in the community definition.
- Communication, monitoring, reporting, feedback and evaluation processes are embedded in the activity or program.
- Relevant commitment to/approval of the activity or program is obtained in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
- Implement community engagement activity or program
- Resources and time are allocated to the implementation process, including a process manager/facilitator with the necessary capabilities, in accordance with the program design.
- Implementation is coordinated across the agency and across government, where relevant.
- The objectives and constraints of the engagement are communicated in a manner that is understood by all participants.
- Clarity is established around the roles and responsibilities of all participants and the level of influence of the participants on the final decision.
- The expectations of participants are identified and managed and the community is provided with all relevant information throughout the engagement process.
- Feedback mechanisms are implemented in accordance with the process plan, and community requirements and barriers to community engagement involvement are addressed to maximise participation.
- Risks and issues are addressed with appropriate mitigation measures.
- Community diversity is acknowledged and respected throughout, and the process is transparent and managed in accordance with planned design.
- The process is implemented flexibly enough to allow the community to raise new ideas or options and provide the community with opportunities to develop their engagement capacity.
- Report on the outcomes of community engagement
- Outcomes of community engagement are reported to relevant government/agency staff, all participants and those who may be affected or have a significant interest, in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
- Feedback on how the outcomes may inform government/agency planning or decision making is provided to all participants.
- Evaluate community engagement activity
- A good practice model is used to evaluate all components of the engagement activity or program in accordance with the design plan.
- Feedback on the quality of the activity or program is obtained from participants.
- The extent to which the engagement outcomes informed government/agency planning and decision making is analysed.
- Achievements and lessons from the engagement activity or program are recorded, shared and used across the government/agency and with the community in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.