Digitalisation of Engagement Optimises Community Infrastructure

The impact of COVID-19 on the way the community interacts has pushed forward the digital revolution.

Calli Brown, Associate Director and Digital Engagement lead with Elton Consulting – a WSP company who led some of our clients’ stakeholder engagement digital pivot during the COVID-19 lockdown says, “Online community engagement is here to stay.

“We had to conduct community consultation online during this time because there was no other option. This has pushed its greater use forward and with excellent outcomes it has achieved a greater acceptance within the community.”

Providing a More Holistic Offering to the Community

To consult with the community more effectively and leverage the power of technology to be future ready, WSP has developed the Online Community Portal.

The proprietary tool helps project shapers to engage with the community in a more contemporary user-friendly way by transforming technical information into a visually engaging, easy to understand format with 24/7 access.

Importantly, because of its digital nature, projects can be brought to life sooner through improved engagement and a better understanding of community needs which in turn enhances business cases and design integration in addition to assisting with the environmental approval process.

“We’re excited to be bringing the Online Community Portal to the market for the benefit of our clients and the communities in which we work, live and play,” says Rebecca Davis, WSP’s Director of Environment, Advisory & Digital. “This easy to use tool provides clear lines of communication for all stakeholders with transparency and openness.

“The portal facilitates digital engagement with the community in line with modern expectations – where access to information at any time and from anywhere is the norm. It also provides an inclusive engagement mechanism for community members to provide input and feedback to infrastructure projects in a physically distanced world.”

A Transformational and Globally Accessible Tool

By combining our environmental planning and stakeholder engagement services, the Online Community Portal offers a centrally optimised platform that houses all project information including feedback forms, interactive maps, a virtual consultation room, rich media and technical data including impact assessments.

“Our digital tool enables contactless engagement 24 hours a day and improves outreach with remote and vulnerable groups,” says Rebecca. “It brings more people into the conversation, thereby improving connectivity and inclusivity. It is a tool that puts the community first by engaging with them on their terms.

“In today’s health and economic climate, digital innovations will pave the way for how economies around the world recover.

“Making the connection between the human and the digital world, helps people to move beyond the impacts to the benefits. It’s all about making consultation for projects easier for the community and the client.”