How can you engage stakeholders in heritage conservation?

2 Communicate effectively

The second step to engage stakeholders is to communicate effectively with them throughout the project. Communication is essential to build trust, share information, address issues, and solicit feedback. You can use different channels and formats to communicate with stakeholders, such as newsletters, websites, social media, reports, presentations, or meetings. The key is to tailor your communication to suit the audience, purpose, and context of the project. You should also use clear, consistent, and respectful language, and avoid jargon and technical terms.

3 Collaborate creatively

The third step to engage stakeholders is to collaborate creatively with them in the project. Collaboration is the process of working together to achieve a common goal or outcome. Collaboration can enhance the quality, relevance, and impact of the project, as well as foster a sense of ownership and participation among stakeholders. You can use different tools and techniques to collaborate with stakeholders, such as workshops, focus groups, co-design, participatory mapping, or storytelling. The aim is to involve stakeholders in the decision-making, problem-solving, and design processes of the project.

4 Manage expectations

The fourth step to engage stakeholders is to manage their expectations in the project. Expectations are the beliefs or assumptions that stakeholders have about the project, such as its scope, budget, timeline, outcomes, or benefits. Expectations can vary widely among different stakeholders, and they can change over time. Managing expectations is the process of aligning and balancing the expectations of stakeholders with the reality and constraints of the project. You can manage expectations by setting clear and realistic goals, communicating progress and changes, and acknowledging and addressing conflicts and trade-offs.

5 Evaluate outcomes

The fifth step to engage stakeholders is to evaluate the outcomes of the project. Outcomes are the results or effects of the project, such as its impacts, achievements, or lessons learned. Evaluating outcomes is the process of measuring and assessing the performance and success of the project against its objectives and indicators. You can evaluate outcomes by collecting and analyzing data, such as surveys, interviews, observations, or feedback. You should also share and discuss the results with stakeholders, and celebrate and acknowledge their contributions and achievements.

6 Learn and improve

The sixth and final step to engage stakeholders is to learn and improve from the project. Learning and improvement are the processes of reflecting and applying the knowledge and experience gained from the project to enhance your practice and future projects. You can learn and improve by identifying and documenting the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges of the project, as well as the best practices, recommendations, and suggestions for improvement. You should also seek and provide feedback to stakeholders, and maintain and nurture the relationships and networks that you have built with them.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?