The importance of involving local communities and key stakeholders in the development of transport projects, strategies and plans is paramount.
Halcrow knows that it is vital that communities are given an opportunity to have their say in proposals and issues that affect their everyday quality of life. The benefits of talking to communities, understanding their needs and involving them in decision making processes are well understood in Halcrow, not simply to consult but actively involve people in our work, especially when the outcomes could affect them directly. Consultation is an important part of what we do, and many of our projects involve some element of consultation. Our experienced staff work together to understand what has worked well in consultation and participation, and apply this best practice through a number of important principles for consultation.
We have developed, through exhaustive technical and market research, a robust and exclusive approach to maximising consultation outcomes that encourages effective decision-making through facilitated workshops – Collaboration for Success© (or CfS).
CfS provides a process to build shared outcomes for controversial, complex or sensitive situations. The approach seeks to overcome the sometime limitations of partnership working to promote a fulfilling collaboration. By working together stakeholders are able to develop solutions jointly. This can build consensus and a commitment to the solutions generated. As a team, stakeholders can find common ground that allows mutual proposals to be developed that often provide win-win solutions. CfS provides a framework for developing a culture of collaboration from the outset, with stakeholders working together to find solutions for the specific issues facing them and the project at hand. This will pay dividends for delivery in future years.