NEW GUIDANCE to ensure that stakeholder engagement is considered at every stage of planning, designing and constructing buildings and places is published by The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).

RIBA views engagement as actively involving stakeholders – individuals, organisations, special interest groups and communities – in decision-making processes that affect them.

The Engagement Overlay to the RIBA Plan of Work is a free resource developed in collaboration with the Association of Collaborative Design (ACD), Sustrans and supported by the Landscape Institute.

On building projects, engagement should take place during the lead up to planning applications, throughout the design process and should be maintained by progress updates during the build, RIBA says. It also says that engagement is essential during the management and stewardship of completed buildings and places.

Research reported by the ACD has revealed a pressing need for engagement to be integrated into the design process, rather than treated as an afterthought, RIBA says.

Stakeholder Engagement  

The RIBA guide outlines best practice to integrate engagement into every stage of the design and construction process. Advocating a democratic and collaborative approach, RIBA says will help professionals bring everyone to the table.

RIBA President Muyiwa Oki said: “Engagement isn’t just about ticking boxes – when done properly, it is a powerful tool for making our society better for everyone. Through listening, nurturing relationships, using open and respectful dialogue, and starting the process early, good engagement creates better project outcomes and makes our built environment more inclusive, sustainable, and relevant to the communities it serves.

“Local knowledge and participation are vital to ensure projects are climate resilient and make communities stronger. The Engagement Overlay will help RIBA members and other professionals to adopt a truly democratic and collaborative approach to designing and building.”

Lead author of the Engagement Overlay Sarah Jones-Morris FLI, who is Co-CEO at the Association of Collaborative Design said: “The most successful projects are collaborative, where contractors, designers, councils, and local people share their perspectives, resulting in better neighbourhoods. The Overlay strives to enable responsible decision-making and follow a clear process.”

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