Paper/Poster/Presentation Title
Keywords
Participatory modelling, Records of Engagement and Decision-making, standards, stakeholder engagement
Start Date
17-9-2020 8:20 AM
End Date
17-9-2020 8:40 AM
Abstract
Participatory Modelling (PM) engages a suite of conceptual and numerical modelling tools and techniques that assist stakeholders to understand a complex issue or system. Although the value of PM has been amply demonstrated in many policy settings and management contexts over more than 30 years, it is not yet widely known or used in stakeholder engagement processes such as citizens juries or planning proposal consultations. The lack of consistent, standardised reporting of PM processes and their outcomes is greatly restricting the dissemination of lessons learnt from past engagement efforts. Having a systematic way to document these lessons could help participatory modellers and stakeholders (1) avoid pitfalls, (2) replicate successes, and (3) better recognize and realize the intrinsic value of PM (Glynn et al, 2018). One limitation to furthering these goals and getting wider adoption of PM is the lack of consistent reporting about PM tools and outcomes that could assist future engagement practitioners (Glynn et al, 2018). This issue led Cockerill et al (2019) and others to call for standardised Records of Engagement and Decisions (RoED) for stakeholder engagement processes and outcomes. We are currently addressing this challenge in the context of rural communities in Australia engaging in the planning and approval process of mining and energy-related proposals. By weaving PM and RoED into this process, we aim to: (1) help stakeholders understand proposals and their potential impacts more efficiently and effectively, and (2) identify and articulate quantitative thresholds related to key stakeholder concerns. Meeting these objectives can greatly strengthen and improve the traditional Environmental Impact Statement process. We are developing a prototype RoED and advancing standards for minimum engagement data, as well as providing guidance on how digital media and documents can best be structured and visualised to record future engagements and decisions.
Records of Engagement and Decision-making: a prototype and guide for digitally recording PM experiences
Participatory Modelling (PM) engages a suite of conceptual and numerical modelling tools and techniques that assist stakeholders to understand a complex issue or system. Although the value of PM has been amply demonstrated in many policy settings and management contexts over more than 30 years, it is not yet widely known or used in stakeholder engagement processes such as citizens juries or planning proposal consultations. The lack of consistent, standardised reporting of PM processes and their outcomes is greatly restricting the dissemination of lessons learnt from past engagement efforts. Having a systematic way to document these lessons could help participatory modellers and stakeholders (1) avoid pitfalls, (2) replicate successes, and (3) better recognize and realize the intrinsic value of PM (Glynn et al, 2018). One limitation to furthering these goals and getting wider adoption of PM is the lack of consistent reporting about PM tools and outcomes that could assist future engagement practitioners (Glynn et al, 2018). This issue led Cockerill et al (2019) and others to call for standardised Records of Engagement and Decisions (RoED) for stakeholder engagement processes and outcomes. We are currently addressing this challenge in the context of rural communities in Australia engaging in the planning and approval process of mining and energy-related proposals. By weaving PM and RoED into this process, we aim to: (1) help stakeholders understand proposals and their potential impacts more efficiently and effectively, and (2) identify and articulate quantitative thresholds related to key stakeholder concerns. Meeting these objectives can greatly strengthen and improve the traditional Environmental Impact Statement process. We are developing a prototype RoED and advancing standards for minimum engagement data, as well as providing guidance on how digital media and documents can best be structured and visualised to record future engagements and decisions.
Stream and Session
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