Participation Specialist
Since 2015, I’ve been facilitating public participation meetings. I’m fascinated by the dynamics involved in implementing large projects in public spaces: on one side, an organization with ambitions (a government or commercial company), and on the other side, the people in whose neighborhood that project would be realized. This often creates tension. And this tension is only going to get worse, as societal challenges grow, public space remains limited, and polarization has increased enormously. Whether it concerns energy transition, construction sites, or asylum seekers—opinions are worlds apart and discussions become heated. Under these circumstances, it’s essential to have these conversations professionally and independently facilitated, to maintain the dialogue and make progress. A professional facilitator provides the safe surroundings in which there can be a fair exchange of information, questions, and concerns. Residents can voice their opinions and express their emotions, while the facilitator makes sure that the focus returns to the matter at hand. Fortunately, more and more organizations are recognizing this.
I find it an extremely rewarding task to play a connecting and channeling role in these often emotional and tense meetings.
New ‘Environment Act’ mandates participation
People who will be affected by new projects must be seriously involved in the preparation of those projects. That has recently been legally established. In the new ‘Environment Act’, which took effect in 2024, participation is a serious matter. The law states that people and organizations who may be affected by a construction or renovation plan must be involved in a timely manner. Municipalities determine in their environmental vision and plan how participation will be implemented and can make this mandatory for permit applications. When stakeholders are properly involved and their concerns are taken seriously, a project has a better chance of obtaining a permit. Here too, it helps when the meeting isn’t controlled by the project manager of the ‘feared’ project, but instead, the participation is provided on equal terms in a meeting that is independently facilitated.
Attendees stay engaged
An independent facilitator adds value. It works. Really. People regularly approach me afterward to thank me. People who came with doubts. Sometimes because they believed it would be a one-man show by a council member, other times because they dreaded negativity and shouting. When these people notice that boasting and personal attacks aren’t given center stage and that the focus remains on substantive discussion, they too feel the space to join that conversation rather than withdraw. Perhaps that’s the greatest benefit of a professional and independent facilitator: that more voices are heard, more perspectives are highlighted, and more nuances are brought to light. This leads to greater support and better-informed decisions.
Training Environmental Managers
I’ve incorporated my acquired knowledge into a two-day training course for environmental managers. It’s housed at the ‘Brainbuilders Academy’ and is called: “Taking Control of Your Participation Meeting”
My experience and skills
My background, experience, and skills are documented in a concise and readable article. Download it for yourself or share it with colleagues who want to ensure successful participation in their projects!