Stakeholder engagement in action
Historic Environment Scotland commissioned Amanda Heenan and myself to engage with people from diverse backgrounds to:
- Understand the barriers people face in getting a job in the heritage sector.
- Create recommendations to remove these barriers.
Our key challenge was to create a safe space where people could share experiences. These were emotional experiences, especially for people who were unsuccessful in finding a job in the sector.
What made this engagement successful?
Thinking from the stakeholder’s perspective – what it in it for them?
Having their voice heard is usually appreciated but stakeholders should also be compensated for their time and contribution. Historic Environment Scotland provided budget to pay participants. Unfortunately, I often see stakeholder engagement projects were no budget is allocated.
Having clarity on how the findings will make a difference
In the inviting email, stakeholders were told how their participation would make a difference.
The client introduced the focus group session, re-iterating how the findings from the focus group would inform improvements (and then left the focus group session to encourage frank discussion).
Creating an environment conducive to open and safe discussions
Taking time at the start of the focus groups to ensure participants are feeling comfortable and setting safe boundaries (such as confidentiality and no sharing on social media).
Providing stakeholders with a range of ways to interact
Stakeholders had the option of an individual conversation or a small-group focus group.
In the focus group, people were invited to contribute using the way they felt most comfortable with: speaking, using the chat or contributing anonymously via a whiteboard.
What do you think about these points? I'd love to hear your thoughts — catherine [at] strategic-consulting.scot