Next Steps

The aim of these pages is to help you to understand what is involved in public dialogue.  There are many aspects that have to be considered in order to achieve a successful dialogue process. Luckily there are specialists able to guide and to advise you on the journey.

Is dialogue right for me?

Sciencewise has shown how organisational culture is a major factor in the use of public dialogue. It is important that organisations understand where they are and what will work for them.  This understanding will greatly improve the use and influence of dialogue and engagement by the organisation.

With an increasing interest across Government and other organisations in public engagement and public dialogue, it has become clear that individual Departments and organisations have a different level of readiness to apply and to benefit from public dialogue.

Sciencewise-ERC has developed a diagnostic tool, the Departmental Dialogue Index, which will allow Departments and organisations, and dialogue practitioners, to better understand the organisation. Through the use of such a diagnostic approach, it is possible to consider how the type of Department or organisation they are might affect the way they approach engagement, including public dialogue, and what to do about it.

Click here to find out more about the Departmental Dialogue Index.

How to commission dialogue

There are many stages in a successful dialogue project. To identify the various stages and who should be involved, please click here to download a process flowchart .

However good practice in dialogue continues to evolve. There is an increasing number of appropriate means to engage with the public and to ensure an efficient and effective two way communication. As we develop the latest guidance please contact enquiries@sciencewise-erc.org.uk to discuss your public engagement requirements.