Participation level:

Innovation level:

Facilitator skill level, and other support required:

Can be used for:

Information contacts provide a single, well-informed source from which the public can obtain information.

Information contacts should ensure good quality, correct and consistent information is given to all enquirers.

Can link stakeholders with technical experts
Ensures people don't get 'the run around' when they call
Controls information flow and promotes information consistency
Conveys image of accessibility
Useful when consultation process is intensive and widespread
Gives the contact person(s) a good sense of stakeholder opinion.
Useful in making suggestions for future consultation activities given understanding of stakeholder concerns
Good for building up trust among all parties.

Organising group must be committed to and prepared for prompt and accurate responses
May filter public message from technical staff and decision makers.
Contact people require strong interpersonal skills.
Contact people should be briefed first about major project issues.
Contact people must be well briefed in what information is appropriate for release.
All external contacts should be logged.

Organizing Information Contact

How many people to organize?

Time required:

Cost:

Select and appoint person (s) with appropriate public relations skills and knowledge of public participation processes.
Publicise person by name with relevant contact points: phone, in person and via email
Brief person on role and provide them with appropriate background information
Maintain a log of contacts
Regularly meet with central information contact to develop a sense of stakeholder concerns.