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Public engagement: theory and practice

Categories: Bespoke only, Public engagement,

New course dates coming soon. To be added to the waitlist of a course or webinar please click here. 

Delivered through the medium of English

3 x 6 hour sessions / classroom

Aims

Accredited by Agored Cymru

To provide greater awareness and understanding of participative engagement.

Content

The third sector is always striving to connect with new audiences so that we can include them in our conversations. This comprehensive three-day course is aimed at providing a greater awareness and understanding of participative engagement. You’ll gain a range of skills as well as build your confidence in engaging with citizens and the community. Days one and two are teaching days which will include, presentation of information, group discussions and interactive exercises. Day three is an assessment day which forms part of the accreditation process.

Day One focuses on understanding and planning engagement.

  • During the morning we will consider the unique context for public engagement in Wales, and review some theoretical models of engagement.
  • The afternoon will involve using a stakeholder analysis technique, and an engagement planning matrix and we will explore ways of engaging with seldom-heard groups.

Day two focuses on engagement techniques, analysing information generated by engagement and what happens after the engagement process.

  • During the morning we will learn about Participatory Techniques drawn from Participatory Rapid Appraisal (PRA) and practice using some key tools.
  • During the afternoon we will look at how to make sure your findings are valid and establish some core principles for analysing qualitative data from a consultation process. The day ends by considering principles and mechanisms for providing feedback to those who take part in the engagement process, and how to evaluate engagement.

On day three, you will demonstrate a participatory technique as part of your assessment, and analyse qualitative data in a structured way. Following the training, participants seeking accreditation will also be required to submit a workbook for assessment.

Learning outcomes

By attending the course you will:

  • Understand the purpose of engagement in today’s Wales
  • Understand some theoretical models of engagement
  • Be able to identify stakeholders and how to engage with them, including seldom-heard groups
  • Be able to use a range of tools for engagement
  • Understand effective methods for communication throughout the engagement process
  • Be able to analyse qualitative data and understand how to make sure your findings are valid.
  • Understand the importance of providing feedback

Who this course is for

Frontline staff and managers seeking comprehensive, accredited training in community and citizen engagement.

About the trainer

Alain Thomas gained over 12 years’ experience of grass-roots community development work at the start of his career. He then set up Alain Thomas Consultancy to provide cost effective and flexible support to not for profit organisations. He has worked in Wales, the rest of Europe and the developing world.

Alain’s training is firmly rooted in his practice and he specialises in participatory approaches to public engagement and project evaluation.

Additional information

A registration fee of £21 per learner will be charged for those who register to complete the Agored Cymru assessment.

Course requirements – please read before booking

What we ask of you:

  • Attend the full duration of the training.
  • Arrive 15 minutes early
  • Let us know at the time of booking if you have any access requirements (e.g. BSL interpreter).
  • Enable notifications from LUMA to receive joining instructions and resources.
  • If you can’t attend, please email bookings@wcva.cymru (see our cancellation policy).

MAXIMUM of two places per organisation

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