Community engagement: supporting development of the built environment.

When it comes to successful community relations, trust is fundamental, especially in the UK construction industry. Without trust, stakeholders are less likely to support projects, which can ultimately lead to planning delays, protests, and even projects being cancelled. Most importantly, the entity's corporate image will suffer if it is perceived as untrustworthy. And poor public perception can lead to numerous obstacles and problems.

Three essential components can help with building trust: open communication, transparency, and a genuine commitment to addressing community concerns.

Open, proactive communication is essential for building trust with stakeholders. This involves giving regular updates on the project's progress, addressing concerns and questions promptly, and involving the community when making decisions. 

Transparency helps in building trust with stakeholders; this involves openly sharing information about the project's environmental impact, reassurance about mitigation measures, and the long-term benefits that the project will provide the community. Transparency also aids in gaining public support.

A genuine commitment to understanding and addressing community concerns is crucial for building trust. This can involve things like implementing measures to reduce noise, dust, and traffic disruption, and bigger things like providing the affected residents with support from knowledgeable and skilled personnel. It is best to always be sensitive to the needs of the community in the context of a particular project. 

It is also important to emphasise that stakeholders need to be actively engaged throughout the project's life cycle. This can involve several activities, such as public consultations, information sessions, workshops, and routine project updates. Construction companies can demonstrate their cooperation and commitment to their local community by including stakeholders in the decision-making process and addressing their concerns.

By considering stakeholder feedback and carefully coming up with solutions that address community concerns, construction companies can demonstrate a commitment to collaboration and transparency. Once there is an effective dialogue between the community and the company, it will be easier to find solutions to challenges, and a positive view of the project will be much more achievable, which will further enhance the project's image.

Regular updates on the project's progress can help maintain strong community relations, demonstrate a commitment to keeping stakeholders informed, and provide them with opportunities to make themselves heard. Some great ways of maintaining a positive relationship with stakeholders include social media, regular newsletters, and community meetings.

The following are some of the best practises for successful community engagement:

1. Engaging with stakeholders from the beginning of the planning and design phases.
2. Providing diverse participation opportunities to residents, businesses, local authorities, and community groups.
3. Ensure that all stakeholders have access to concise and accurate information about the projects, the benefits, and the potential impacts.  
4. Being honest about the project's objectives, progress, and challenges as this helps build trust. 
5. Quickly and effectively respond to stakeholder concerns and questions. 
6. Engage with stakeholders throughout the life cycle of the project, offering updates and opportunities for feedback.

Some examples of projects that have garnered public support by effectively implementing robust community relations strategies include: 

1. The Thames Tideway Tunnel project: this involved extensive public consultations, community meetings, and the establishment of a community liaison group to address concerns and provide feedback during the project.
2. The HS2 high-speed rail project: has engaged with communities through public consultations, information sessions, and local stakeholder forums, helping to address concerns and build trust with stakeholders.
3. The redevelopment of Battersea Power Station: has involved a comprehensive community engagement strategy, including public consultations, community events, and regular updates on project progress.

At Urban Thinking, we believe that engagement that prioritises trust, transparency, and a commitment to respecting the value of stakeholder participation forms the building blocks that help develop our built environment.

Our range of services ensures that our clients have everything they need to create an environment where their community becomes an invaluable resource for their project and corporate image.