Designing an engagement approach that considers how to hear from the hardly heard and underrepresented groups

Designing an engagement approach that considers how to hear from the hardly heard and underrepresented groups

Written by Eleanor Howe, Senior Manager – Government and Utilities

Over the past few months, I’ve been getting back into the council planning process, specifically designing deliberative engagement approaches compliant with the Local Government Act. I reflected on the hardly heard from groups often underrepresented in council community engagement efforts. So frequently we don’t get the opportunity to hear from people who live with disabilities, people who don’t speak English well or at all and young people and children.

The participant composition of a deliberative community panel must be carefully designed to include underrepresented groups. This approach ensures that the panel reflects the community, boosting confidence in its outputs. Here are some ideas on encouraging people from hardly heard from groups to join a deliberative panel and ensure they have a safe environment to participate.

How to engage underrepresented groups in deliberative panels and ensure a safe space

To encourage people who live with disabilities to participate, the design must ensure that the sessions are accessible. On the expression of interest form, I would always ask what requirements people have or what support they need to tailor the event. I would call/email them to ensure the space is safe and supportive if needed.

Many Melbourne municipalities have a high proportion of residents from non-English speaking backgrounds – in my municipality, 32% of the community speak a language other than English when at home. I recommend you share the opportunity through partnerships with local organisations to reach these diverse groups. Provide information in multiple languages in straightforward and easy-to-understand ways and have translators available at events.

Deliberative panels often miss the voices of young people (definitions vary but think under 25). In a conversation with a peer last week, I was reminded how crucial it is to create the opportunity for younger residents to participate in future planning initiatives. It’s essential to create a future that truly reflects the needs and aspirations of the entire community. Encourage young people to participate by extending an invite through schools to school leaders or inviting them to present to the panel as experts (again, make sure you ask them what they need to feel comfortable and confident to participate).

Throughout the recruitment process, it’s essential to undertake frequent check-ins to ensure a diverse representation of the community is interested in participating, and the recruitment approach should be adjusted if needed. I often work in partnership with councils to communicate and promote the opportunity – they have relationships with their community and know how to best reach people who might not otherwise join in.

By designing an engagement approach that considers the hardly heard and underrepresented groups, you will ensure the panel is representative of the community and that the Council and the wider community have confidence that the deliberating group’s recommendations reflect the whole community.

How Insync can help

At Insync, we specialise in deliberative engagement processes that give customers and community members a genuine say in the decisions that affect them. We can support you with the resource you need to understand the interests, concerns and priorities of your customers and community members. Whenever you are ready to delve deeper into the world of deliberative engagement, our team is here to help. We firmly advocate for collaborative decision-making and are committed to ensuring the success of our clients.