CMA Events & Training

Duration and timings: 2 day residential course

Course description: This is a very practical course that aims to give participants a solid foundation in the theory, practice and strategy development of working with communities and the stakeholder engagement processes.

The course builds from basics, considering the different approaches to working with stakeholders, the context in which we are working and the level of engagement relevant to different projects and initiatives. It goes on to build participants’ skills in a range of practical tools and techniques and considers how these can be applied effectively and appropriately to support the achievement of an overall engagement strategy.

A focus on developing a planned approach through a practical engagement framework will give participants confidence that their work can be structured, responsive to local needs and successful in achieving their overall goals.

Ideal for: Those who have to plan and / or deliver work with stakeholders, including the engagement of communities in planning, decision making and practical activities.

Key benefits of the course:
• A structure for creating a workable engagement strategy.
• A range of tools, techniques and methods for involving groups in consensual decision making and planning activities.
• An opportunity to relate the course content to planning participants’ own projects.

Participants’ comments: “The most enjoyable course I have ever attended. The trainer was excellent and included her own practical experience.”

Aim and objectives:

Aim: To examine how to engage communities/stakeholders in practical projects, planning and decision making while facilitating maximum participation.

Objectives By the end of the course participants will be able to:
• Explain the theory, practice and strategy development of stakeholder engagement processes.
• Outline a range of participatory techniques.
• Describe the key principles of good practice in stakeholder engagement processes.
• Outline how they can plan a stakeholder engagement strategy for their own work.

Outline programme:
Day 1 sessions:
• The different levels of engaging communities/stakeholders, and selecting the right approach for each piece of work / stakeholder.
• The elements of an engagement strategy: needs analysis, stakeholder analysis, project design and delivery, and monitoring and evaluation.
• Participative tools and techniques.

Day 2 sessions: • Tools to generate information, sort data, prioritise and time frame.
• The opportunity for participants to develop a comprehensive strategy from their own work.

About Icarus and our training style: Joining Instructions and final programme: Icarus specialises in the design and facilitation of participative processes that support individuals, groups and organisations to plan and take decisions. Creative, consensus building and inclusive group working tools are at the heart of all our work and we draw extensively on this experience in our training programme.

We recognise that training needs to be practical, relevant and enjoyable. Our courses are therefore highly participative, with plenty of opportunities for participants to ‘have a go’ and to work through issues as a group with our support.

Extensive background materials are provided in a course manual.

We look forward to working with you and spending an enjoyable and productive time together.

Confirmation of booking, a detailed programme for the course, joining instructions and a location map will be sent to participants 10 days before the event.

For a booking form please contact:

Laura Boreham, CTS, E3/Country Parks, c/o Essex County Council, County Hall, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1QH
Tel No. 01245 437574 Fax No 01245 437213