There are different aspects of engagement, relevant to different stages of your project. These are described in this section. Additional advice, especially for those with limited engagement experience, can be found in the Engagement Guide. Remember that worthwhile engagement is based on intent, not just tools. No amount of ‘best practice’ engagement will improve a relationship if there is limited commitment to working together.
Outreach and information
Many people won’t know what neighbourhood batteries are or what they can do. So you’ll need to provide information about them and about your project to start the conversation.
Methods and approaches include:
- websites (with information and FAQs)
- information sheets, brochures and posters
- online presentations, forums and Q and A sessions
- stalls or exhibits at local markets, shops and events.
Two-way communication channels
Gauging community sentiment and support for your project is important, as is getting feedback on aspects like people’s willingness to sign up or to pay for services, how the battery will fit in with existing energy technologies (e.g. household batteries and EVs), how community members might interact with the battery, site selection, amenity and noise concerns, and connections with other environmental and social initiatives.
Methods and approaches include:
- online surveys
- public forums
- door-knocking chats and interactions at community events
- social media.
Deliberation and design input
There are ways to get input from community members to shape your project and battery model. This can help to sort through challenges and obstacles and find solutions and can build commitment and partnership amongst the community. Organising forums and design workshops also gives an opportunity to seek out members of the community you haven’t heard from, including marginal groups. These methods can be more costly but can be a time-efficient way of engaging deeply about the project and getting people on board.
Methods and approaches include:
- Deliberative forums (open forums or randomly-selected mini-publics)
- Design workshops.
Community reference group
It may make sense to put together a group of people to represent the wider community. This could be an advisory panel or reference group. Generally, this will be made up of volunteers who are able to give their time to regular meetings or workshops. Applications to join these groups should be open to anyone. You may wish to select or encourage participation to reflect the diversity of your community and think about providing financial or other forms of support to those with obstacles to participation.
Methods and approaches include:
- Advisory panel/reference group
- Community champions
- Encouraging new members to join your group.
As part of developing your business model, you’ll need a community and stakeholder engagement plan. This helps you draw up an engagement budget. Your plan needs to consider all stages of your proposed project (including building and testing your business model), but also needs to be flexible and responsive as you build your model and your partnerships and relationships. You’ll find more detailed advice about engagement and engagement planning in Engagement.