HomeSituationsCommunity & public lifeMulti-stakeholder policy dialogue
TN/SIT/32
Edition 2027 · effective 1 January 2027
Community & public life · Multi-stakeholder policy dialogue
Many interests must shape one policy. None of them trusts the others’ process.
From water allocation to AI rules, policy needs a process that participants accept. Independent facilitation makes the process legitimate.
§ 01What it looks like
Recognise it early. The earliest moment is the cheapest.
What you notice first
Small, and easy to explain away.
- Stakeholders boycott consultations
- Each group commissions its own evidence
- Decisions are challenged as captured
- Talks restart every election
What waiting can cost
Usually more than the original issue.
- Quality and durability of policy
- Public trust
- Implementation
§ 02The Neutral route
Usually: Facilitation.
A Neutral process lets competing interests contribute without capturing the outcome.
Facilitation
The group decides. The facilitator owns the process.
Also used · No substantive authorityNeutral Chairing
The body decides. The chair keeps the process fair.
Also used · AdvisoryNeutral Evaluation
You decide. The evaluator advises.
§ 03The steps
What a good process looks like.
- Design the process with stakeholdersBefore anything else01
- Appoint an independent facilitator or chairThe moment independence enters02
- Commission joint fact-findingWhere the work is done03
- Publish how input shaped decisionsSo it holds04
§ 04Prepare and avoid
What to bring. What to leave out.
(Bring)
01
Mandate and decision authority
02
Stakeholder list
03
Evidence base
04
Timeline
(Avoid)
✕
Hiding who decides
§ 05Your version
Every situation is different. Describe yours.
§ 06Related