A recent report suggests that digital engagement should be a key part of any large-scale engagement programme after the COVID-19 pandemic. The Future of Engagement states that moving consultation online during the pandemic will have “created an expectation with the public that these options will be available after the pandemic.” Could this be the future of the planning process?
Research for the report was conduction nationwide, and involved 115 industry professionals working across health, property, infrastructure and planning, as well as over 2,000 members of the general public. It considered how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed public decision-making and what impacts this may have on the future.
Some key findings include:
- 53 per cent of the public agreed that changes to local places, services and spaces will need to happen to adapt to life post-pandemic, and that they want to be included in these discussions.
- 45 per cent of people said changes to reduce carbon emissions and adapt to climate change was the biggest priority and the public would like to be involved.
- 44 per cent want more communal areas and green space, including parks and playgrounds.
- 83 per cent of the industry reported that they have changed the way they consult, moving from libraries, town halls and other public spaces to online.
Digital engagement could also be they key to unlocking participation from a younger, more diverse group of people. This would help to ensure that any decisions made during the recovery and after the pandemic “accurately reflect the needs of a changing society,” the report finds.
Notable other recommendations include:
- Digital engagement is essential moving forward, but it shouldn’t completely replace in-person activity.
- Amplifying activity is as important as the delivery – the biggest barrier to participation in public consultation and engagement was not hearing about the opportunities to get involved.
- Ensure that digital engagement methods and tools are designed with input from people of diverse backgrounds.