Public Engagement in Decision-Making Course
The right for communities to participate in public decision-making is one that is enshrined in many modern democracies. This public engagement course looks at good practice public engagement and participation in decision making, reflective of the contemporary requirements, circumstances, resourcing, complexity of needs, time constraints and other risks. The premise is that there is no single engagement model, set of tools or techniques that will guarantee positive outcomes, as each participation process needs to be carefully project managed with a clear and transparent purpose and outcomes.
This public engagement course introduces participants to key theories, concepts and approaches to community engagement and stakeholder consultations. It considers the historical context as it relates to involving citizens in public decision-making. It also explores different concepts of participatory and deliberative democratic theory; social justice principles of inclusion and participation; plus different legislative, regulatory and policy settings that underpin contemporary practice.
| Duration | Two session (16 hours in total) |
| Dates | Wed 26 - Thu 27 Feb, 2025 |
| Time | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Venue | UTS City Campus |
| Cost | $1,398 (GST Free) |
This course is designed for professionals whose work intersects with public engagement processes.
Course content
The following topics will be covered in this public engagement course:
Module 1: Introduction to public engagement and community consultations
- Defining terms and principles of good practice
- Origins and Theory; Regulations, Policy and Developments
- Common Engagement Options and Consultation Tools
- Common Barriers and Mitigations to Quality Engagements and Measuring Success
Module 2: Design and Delivery of Public Engagements
- Staged approach to public engagements
- Case study: Defining your engagement purpose and designing your methodology and approach
- Interpersonal engagements: Techniques for getting results
- Writing for impact: How to influence decision makers
With public engagement a requirement in various public projects - why not utilise its abilities to positively impact your work? Learn what public engagement is, when to use it, and its risks and benefits.
Learning outcomes
At the completion of this public engagement course you should be able to:
- Identify, examine and evaluate relevant theory, concepts and arguments which are informing contemporary public engagement practice
- Acquire knowledge, understanding and skills in the design, planning and execution of public engagement programs and techniques relevant to specific public policy or decision-making environments
- Critically reflect and develop new ideas in relation on the challenges and opportunities in undertaking public engagements, considering a wide variety of factors that exist within diverse communities, public agencies, and other policy and environmental settings.
Delivery style
This public engagement course will be delivered as an interactive workshop consisting of an instructor-led lecture, group and individual activities. This training approach allows participants to work through concepts introduced by the trainer in an application-focused teaching environment. Participants will challenge their understanding of the concepts and consider their application once back in their individual workplace.
About the presenter
Edwina Deakin is currently a Senior Manager Advisory at the UTS Institute for Public Policy and Governance. She is the Project Manager and a lead author of the new IPPG Community Engagement for Impact Guide.
Edwina has been involved in commissioning, designing and delivering community engagement activities for over 25 years - as a NSW government policy director, social policy consultant and community engagement trainer. Edwina has worked with a wide range of organisations - undertaking over 30 major consultation projects: including various state-wide and local government area engagement activities. Edwina holds BA Honours degree, a Masters in Communications, Graduate Diploma in Education, and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.
Course prerequisites
This public engagement course has no prerequisites and is open to all members of the public.
Course registration
Contact us
Need more information? For all course related enquiries, including future dates or in-house training enquiries email us or call +61 (2) 9514 7884.
This short course is presented by the university's Institute for Public Policy and Governance. Learn more about the Institute's advisory and research services, local government postgraduate courses and professional learning and development programs.
