IAP2 – International Association of Public Participation, is recognised as an international leader in the field of public participation and community engagement.
Council uses the IAP2 model of engagement to guide planning and implementation of community engagement activities.
The IAP2 Public Participation Spectrum is designed to assist with the selection of an appropriate level of consultation.
Consider what level of community involvement is required for your issue according to the IAP2 Spectrum of Public Participation, see below. Your engagement may incorporate more than one level of involvement.
| Elements | Inform | Consult | Involve | Collaborate | Empower |
| Community engagement goal | To provide balanced and objective information to assist understanding of a topic, alternatives, opportunities and/or solutions. |
To obtain community feedback on analysis, alternatives and/or decisions. |
To work with the community throughout the process to ensure that concerns and aspirations are consistently understood and considered. |
To partner with the community in each aspect of the decision including the development of alternatives and the identification of the preferred solution. |
To place the final decision- making in the hands of the public. |
| Promise to the community |
We will keep you informed. |
We will keep |
We will work with you to ensure that your concerns and aspirations are directly reflected in the alternatives developed and provide feedback on how community input influenced the decision. |
We will look to you for advice and innovation in forming solutions and incorporate your advice and recommendations into the decision to the maximum extent possible. |
We will implement what you decide. |
| When to use this element | This element is used to enhance knowledge, understanding, support and transparency. It provides the community with information on something that has been decided and is to be implemented. |
This element is used to gather information and have discussions with the community. Feedback is provided to the community on the outcome of those discussions. |
This element actively seeks the input of the community into any policy, plan or activity which may directly or indirectly affect them. Alternatives are sought from the community and feedback is provided on how that information was used in forming the decision. |
This element is utilised when Council seeks to work in partnership with communities to identify joint solutions and develop initiatives. |
This element is used when Council is prepared to put into place the decision made by community. |
Download a PDF copy of the IAP2 Spectrum below.
The International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) is an international member association which seeks to promote and improve the practice of public participation or community engagement, incorporating individuals, governments, institutions and other entities that affect the public interest throughout the world. IAP2 Australasia is the leading public participation Association in Australasia. Further information on IAP2 and a range of great resources can be found on their website.