Planning the participatory process

Challenge the practice is addressing: The first step of an effective stakeholder involvement is to plan the purpose and the process of participation. The plan covers the roles and activities of people included in the process.

Concrete practice to achieve the expected goal: The guidelines are developed to help with the implementation of an integrative participatory approach. Key questions listed as a checklist for a company to use when evaluating their aims and procedures of proposed participation process. The checklist is meant to help with the preparation and includes questions reagarding company's motives and possible tensions around the issue, but also practical questions to ensure sufficient resources for an effective stakeholder meeting. In addition to the key questions that should be considered before starting the participatory process, the guidelines also introduce 5 steps for an effective planning of a participatory process.

Expected impact/goal of the practice: The purpose of the guideline is to ensure that participatory process is a well-conducted process that guarantees stakeholders a genuine opportunity to voice their opinions and concerns.

Who is the target user group of the practice/intervention or implementing the practice/intervention? The practice is primarily for policy planners and officials but can be used by representatives of industry as well.