ABSTRACT

This chapter focuses on the criteria for evaluating public and stakeholder engagement (PSE) processes. It presents results from a specific case study addressing the problem of developing a set of criteria for use in appraising the use of PSE or 'outreach' processes by the government body responsible for environmental regulation in England and Wales—the Environment Agency. Specifically, the Environment Agency asked to undertake research to develop a set of criteria through which it could evaluate the effectiveness of different participatory processes in helping the organisation 'build close and responsive relationships' with local stakeholders and publics. The largest category encompassed criteria concerned with the sponsor listening to, understanding, and responding to what its stakeholders bring to a situation. Mutual learning is an indicator of resource-efficient interaction, while efficiency is likely to be promoted through transparency of process and the appropriate involvement of stakeholders.