Public
Participation
Services

Public Participation

Public Participation comes in many shapes and forms. At the foundation are different types of interaction and information flows between participants. These flows can range from simple to complex and include one-way, two-way or multiway interactions.

Interaction can take place in-person or online. The “public” in public participation should be seen as the different “publics” to be engaged. For some initiatives this may include targeted audiences and stakeholders. For others, the publics might include affected citizens, interested parties or even the general population.

At the heart of Ascentum’s public participation methodology is a deep appreciation for informed participation and the conviction that people must be at the centre of public participation process. Informed participation is an enriched knowledge gathering process. It taps into people’s collective experience, values, knowledge and common sense by providing them with an opportunity to consider multiple facets and implications of a given issue.

We value informed participation for its inclusiveness, its far-reaching applications, the quality of its results and, most importantly, for the sustainability it brings to our clients’ decisions.

Public Participation Service Offerings

Strategy and Vision

Need to successfully implement a technology initiative, develop a new program, build a web strategy, or drive organizational change? Participation and engagement of diverse voices is key. We have proven experience in developing both organizational and project-oriented strategies that will reflect both your requirements and the needs of those you serve.

Policy Development

Ascentum helps organizations develop effective policies by ensuring that both decision makers and stakeholders have a thorough understanding of the issues before them. In addition to identifying and assessing policy challenges, we provide the resources needed to measure and analyze the effects of decisions, ensuring the best possible results. This enables our clients to make sustainable decisions that deal with the real issues.

Service and Business Transformation

Service and business process transformation are two key areas in which informed participation leads to sustainable organizational or policy change. Engaging employees ensures that your transformation process is as transparent and educational as possible—a key condition for buy-in and success.

Evaluation

Gathering rich qualitative and quantitative input using our informed participation approach to data collection will result in the richest possible set of evaluation data, allowing you to make evidence-based decisions.

Full Service, Integrated Offerings

Ascentum’s full range of public participation skills and services – online, in person or a combination of both—can be integrated to provide a customized package that meets your specific needs. These include: