Collaboration builds trust and better policy: report

Communities are not passive recipients of policy decisions but active participants in shaping them.

A collaborative approach for any public engagement is the key to fostering trust and delivering effective policy outcomes, according to an IBM Centre report.

“This begins with the belief that communities are not passive recipients of policy decisions but active participants in shaping them,” the report said.

Before jumping into it, the report noted that it is essential to define a clear purpose by asking what the government wants to achieve—to consult the public, involve them in decision-making, or empower them to create solutions.

Moreover, effectiveness depends on identifying and involving the right stakeholders to achieve the purpose.

“Without broad representation, engagement processes can fall short of being inclusive and equitable.”

Designing the right engagement process is also critical and should be flexible enough to adapt to community needs whilst ensuring that the purpose of the engagement is met. 

Further, innovative process designs, which blend participatory methods with collaborative governance principles, can help the government succeed in service delivery.

Additionally, clear and transparent communication is the cornerstone of any successful public engagement process; without it, even the most thoughtfully designed processes risk losing the trust and interest of participants.

“Using data throughout a project ensures that public engagement remains transparent, accountable, and responsive to the needs of communities,” the report added.