Until recently at DemocracyCo we have avoided talking about how deliberative democracy can build social licence…. because ….to be frank…. it isn’t the point …
…but perhaps because it isn’t the point … is why it works.
Building social licence from local communities by definition means building acceptance. But …this is not the aim of a deliberative process!
Deliberative engagement enables citizens to come to public judgement. This involves citizens learning about issues, building understanding of others, and working collaboratively with other stakeholders to find a way forward together. When done right deliberative processes have integrity. As highlighted by the University of Canberra in their “Guidebook for Deliberative Engagement”, they are intentional, inclusive, connected, reflective, consequential, and most importantly ethical.
In short, they have legitimacy, and they seek to build trust, both of which are central to building social licence. Local communities will ‘accept’ a way forward if they feel that an initiative:
A recent process in Gippsland on Offshore Wind helps to demonstrate the potential impacts. The Gippsland Offshore Wind Community Assembly was convened by the Gippsland Climate Change Network with the support of DemocracyCo. A post survey of Assembly participants found –
The Assembly kicked off what will need to be an ongoing process of industry and government working with communities throughout the design, approval, and implementation stages of offshore wind.
Achieving outcomes, like those experienced by the Gippsland case study, requires collaboration, not transaction.
It requires deliberative (or governance and engagement processes) which at their essence bring people and organisations together for mutual benefit.
Cynical processes that don’t respect citizens and their personal agency, or don’t respond to the fears and needs of local communities will not be effective … or at least won’t deliver sustainable outcomes.
Keen to learn more about deliberation and its impacts? Click here