POWER TO THE PEOPLEHow NFP boards can produce better outcomes by inviting stakeholders to have a say in their decision-making

I AM AN UNAPOLOGETIC SUPPORTER OF THE VOLUNTARY NOT-FOR-PROFIT SECTOR

BOARDS NO LONGER LOOK LIKE THE PEOPLE THEY REPRESENT

BOARDS HAVE LESS POWER AND INFLUENCE THAN THEY USED TO

“Leaders must change their management approach and become more inclusive by seeking the input of employees, consumers, activists and experts such as academics, and adapting to their feedback. They must also pass the test of radical transparency”

Richard Edelman, President & CEO Edelman

CORPORATIONS LAW IS HOPELESSLY OUT OF DATE

WHAT IS PUBLIC PARTICIPATION?

“Public participation is the involvement of people in a problem-solving or decision-making process that may interest or affect them.”

John Bryson and Anne CarrollHubert M Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs

University of Minnesota

"Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.“

- Abraham Lincoln

1. Public participation is based on a belief that those who are affected by a decision have a right to be involved in the decision-making process

2. Public participation includes the promise that the public’s contribution will influence the decision

3. Public participation promotes sustainable decisions by recognising and communicating the needs and interests of all participants, including decision makers

4. Public participation seeks out and facilitates the involvement of those potentially affected by or interested in a decision

5. Public participation seeks input from participants in designing how they participate6. Public participation provides participants with the information they need to participate in a meaningful way

7. Public participation communicates to participants how their input affected the decision

IMPROVES THE PROCESS OF PROBLEM-SOLVING AND DECISION-MAKING

Provides early warning of difficulties or challengesCreates better understanding of the problem or issueBuilds better relationshipsManages conflict more effectivelyExposes ‘single-issue advocates’ to other perspectivesBuilds a coalition of supportEnsures you ‘Get it right the first time’

PRODUCES BETTER AND MORE SUSTAINABLE DECISIONS

Brings more information into a decision-making process – information that goes beyond technical or scientific know-how

Incorporates more perspectives – and so, is more likely to satisfy the full range of stakeholders

Increases mutual understanding of the various viewpointsLeverages the specific knowledge of participants

THE IAP2 SPECTRUM OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Inform Consult Involve Collaborate Empower

To provide balanced and objective information to assist the public in understanding the problem, alternatives and/or solutions

To obtain feedback on analysis, alternatives or decisions.

To ensure that the public’s issues and concerns are consistently understood and considered.

To partner with the public in each aspect of the decision, including the development of alternatives and the identification of the preferred solution.

To place final decision-making in the hands of the public.

THE ‘SAGE ON THE STAGE’ NO LONGER CUTS IT IN 2014

THE ‘SAGE ON THE STAGE’ NO LONGER CUTS IT IN 2014

THANK YOU!

For more information, contact:

Randall PearceTHINK: Insight & Advice

02 9358 6664randall.pearce@thinkinsightadvice.com.auwww.thinkinsightadvice.com.au