When it comes to infrastructure development, it has never been more important to do it once and do it right.
One of the most common issues projects face today is a lack of public buy-in - causing delays, overspend and impacts on political confidence. The fact is that too often, people feel that infrastructure is being 'done to' them, instead of with them or even for them.
To meet the needs of those it is designed to serve, it is vital that infrastructure projects meaningfully involve communities in the development process - both within, and around, consultation. But there are challenges to doing so:
- Low public understanding: infrastructure projects are complex and technical - making them challenging to describe to a lay audience
- Low engagement: most people are time-poor - particularly younger and more transient audiences - creating an imbalance in responses
- Low support for infrastructure delivery: we are working in a challenging political environment - whilst the UK Government is prioritising infrastructure investment, there is significant pushback at both parliamentary and public levels.
This interactive workshop will tackle:
- Building public understanding: the importance of doing so, and tactics to achieve it
- Making your case: using audience analysis and storytelling to link project benefits to audience priorities
- Community co-creation: types of engagement, common trip-hazards, and what to do with the inputs once you have them.
The talk will be followed by the ICE Bristol City Club Annual General Meeting (AGM). We’re inviting all regional members to attend the meeting.
This year’s event is in person only, WSP Bristol office. New committee members will be welcomed.
If you are interested in getting involved in the ICE Bristol City Club Committee, please contact us at ice.southwest@ice.org.uk.
