Introduction

As covered in the "What is Engagement" area, there are many types of engagement. The IAP2 spectrum of participation (see below) can help you define what type of public participation you're looking to achieve. It was designed to assist with the selection of the level of participation that defines the public’s role in any public participation process. The Spectrum is used internationally, and it is found in public participation plans around the world.

Spectrum of Public Participation - (c) International Association for Public Participation www.iap2.org (view as a PDF hereLink opens in a new window)

When you're planning your engagement activity it's useful to consider three areas:

• Purpose - why do you want to engage? Which of the above methods outlined in the spectrum best fits with your aims?
• People - Who do you want to engage with? How much influence do you want them to have over the project? You may have people contributing at several different levels. E.g. collaborating with a community group/ charity/ business etc. to inform a separate group of people.
• Process - how will you engage? What process is most appropriate bearing in mind your aims for the engagement and your audience?

For more information, join our upcoming training session with the NCCPE (National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement):

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