Communications and engagement
Understanding the values and expectations of stakeholders is a pivotal step in securing approvals for projects and investments – both from a legislative and social license perspective. Where communities see value and feel heard, the path is much smoother with better outcomes for all.
RPS’ Communications and Engagement specialists are here to help you make connections, understand views, communicate clearly, and build trust. Our consultants combine the power of data with industry-leading engagement expertise to bring your project’s story to life. Through clear, evidence-based communications that are custom-designed for your unique audiences, we create a compelling value proposition for your project and foster important stakeholder support.
We specialise in communications and community engagement for:
- Energy projects and investments including national grid and offshore wind.
- Property development projects.
- High-value infrastructure initiatives including transport, water, education and health.
- Public policy, programs and schemes.
A lifecycle approach to community engagement
Understanding your stakeholders
Understanding the community and stakeholder landscape in which you operate is the first vital step in developing projects that are acceptable and “approvable”. Our consultants complete detailed stakeholder mapping to gauge not just the demographic make-up of communities, but the connections, sentiments and concerns that could influence how stakeholders feel about your project. We help you to understand not just who you need to talk to, but how to meaningfully connect with them.
Our services include:
- Stakeholder analysis and mapping
- Early stakeholder engagement
- Government relations
Informing your strategy through data and evidence
We apply a data-led approach to communications and engagement that is backed by evidence and informed by experience. Using the latest research and analytics systems we help you gather, analyse and communicate vital data. Through technology-led analysis, we strategically inform your project’s strategy, design, approvals, positioning, and engagement.
Our services include:
- Social and baseline research
- Social impact assessment
- Reporting and data dashboards
- Risk management
Developing your project’s value proposition
Drawing on evidence, we develop messaging that speaks to your stakeholders’ aspirations, needs and concerns. Understanding that value proposition will evolve as you progress through the lifecycle, our consultants create a valuable feedback loop between your project and the communities you interact with. This helps you incorporate critical feedback that will enhance your project’s design, facilitate approvals, continually improve your engagement approach, and build social license.
Our services include:
- Communications and engagement strategy
- Strategic communications, including narrative and key message development
- Change and crisis communications
- Community Benefits Program development
- Campaign planning and materials
Engaging deeply with your stakeholders
Whether you are in the earliest phases of project investigation, completing structured public engagement as part of legislated approval processes, or co-designing a benefits scheme to share value with local communities, RPS provides end-to-end strategy and delivery to help you engage with the public, government, regulators, community interest groups, and more.
Our services include:
- Public participation, public consultation, community and stakeholder engagement
- Facilitation and mediation including stakeholder and community reference groups
- In-person / online meetings, open days, workshops and focus groups
- Deliberative engagement and co-design
- Media and public relations
- Statutory / regulatory engagement
- Project Information Service – telephone, email, websites
- Community Liaison Officer / community representation
- Engagement with landowners.
Crafting compelling project stories
At RPS, we’re committed not just to the message, but to the medium. RPS offers the latest in digital and visual communication to help you cut through the noise and connect deeply with stakeholders.
Our services include:
- Branding and project identity development
- Video content and graphic design
- Website, digital development
- Video and animation production
- 2D/3D visualisation and project renders
- Immersive digital engagement experiences
- Data visualisation and mapping
- Reports, infographics, and other project information collateral
Digital engagement solutions
Digital engagement has emerged as a key tool for connecting and engaging with stakeholders, allowing project owners to hear voices they would likely otherwise miss. Flexible and immersive, RPS-designed digital engagement spaces allow stakeholders to interact with projects and provide feedback, wherever and whenever they choose.
