What Does It Actually Take to Do Stakeholder Engagement?

At Our Future Cities, we’ve learned that constructive stakeholder engagement goes far beyond gathering people in a room and seeking agreement. Purposeful engagement is about building meaningful, long-lasting connections that drive real change for everyone involved.

So, what does effective stakeholder engagement actually look like behind the scenes? Here’s a glimpse into our approach:

Understanding Context and History

Every project is rooted in a unique context, shaped by the area's history, challenges, and dynamics. We start by understanding this context to ensure our engagement strategies are informed, relevant, and respectful of the communities we serve. For example, public spaces often hold different memories for different groups, such as District Six and the East City. Specific projects may require sensitive engagement with communities who feel their heritage and culture are not represented in the traditional built environment.

Mapping Diverse Stakeholders and Groups

We leverage our vast network of stakeholders and contacts, built over 15 years, to identify various groups, sectors, professions, and age demographics. Our goal is to ensure diverse perspectives are represented, challenging the project and offering different viewpoints. From local communities and activist groups to corporate leaders and government officials, our engagement process reflects a rich tapestry of insights. This approach also includes building internal support for a project within the client’s organisation.

Using a Creative Mix of Tools and Techniques

Engaging stakeholders is not a one-size-fits-all approach. We must incentivise people to contribute their time and ideas. We use a variety of interactive methods, including public participation strategies, urban laboratories, leadership engagement, and government lobbying. Our tools range from scale models and sketching to ideation sessions and installations, designed to engage people with public space and foster authentic participation and creative problem-solving.

Keeping People Informed

We ensure that all stakeholders have access to the information they need and remain updated—whether through traditional newsletters, WhatsApp groups, or digital platforms. This openness fosters trust and enables productive discussions that stem from relationships built over time.

Reports, Visual Materials, and Meeting Summaries for Leadership

Feedback is crucial in shaping outcomes. Through direct engagement, we gather input that reflects the diverse perspectives involved. This feedback helps identify areas of consensus and disagreement, guiding the project forward.

Providing Actionable Insights

Our transparent reports don’t just summarise engagement; they highlight key insights, areas of agreement, and differing viewpoints. This ensures decision-makers have a clear roadmap for informed, future actions.