IAP2 Spectrum Evolution
Evolving the IAP2 Spectrum to Meet Tomorrow’s Engagement
IAP2 Spectrum Evolution Project – Final Engagement Summary (Survey Now Closed)
The IAP2 Spectrum of Public Participation has been a foundational tool for engagement practitioners since its official launch in 1998. Originally developed by Marty Rozelle, Lewis Michaelson and Doug Sarno, the Spectrum has guided how practitioners and decision-makers involve communities in public decision-making for over three decades.
Recognising the need to adapt to a rapidly evolving engagement landscape, IAP2 International launched the Spectrum Evolution Project. This global initiative, led by Marion Short (Australasia), Chris Cannon (USA), and Anne Pattillo (New Zealand), was designed to test whether the Spectrum remains fit for purpose and to explore enhancements.
The project included:
- Interviews with 24 international leading practitioners
- Regional workshops and engagement across IAP2 regions
- Input from the Sensemaking Committee, a globally representative advisory group
These stages informed four key proposed changes to the Spectrum:
- Adding a purpose statement alongside the Spectrum graphic
- Clarifying the descriptions of each level
- Combining Consult and Involve for clearer distinction
- Repositioning Inform to underpin all levels, recognising its foundational role
The final engagement stage invited global practitioners to participate in an international survey and provide feedback on these proposed changes. With the survey now closed, the insights gathered will guide the future evolution of the IAP2 Spectrum and ensure it continues to support best-practice engagement worldwide.
About the IAP2 Spectrum Evolution Project
The focus of the Spectrum Evolution project was to identify if the Spectrum is fit for purpose and whether there are changes to make the Spectrum even better for the future.
The project was designed to provide three engagement opportunities to shape potential improvements to the spectrum. These included:
- Leading Practitioner interviews: – Identifying current experience
- Workshops and engagement led by IAP2 regions
- Workshops and engagement led by the International Board with the International network
The next and final stage of the project is a final online survey available for all practitioners, IAP2 members and people committed to engagement.
What Have We Heard So Far?
The IAP2 Spectrum Evolution project has incorporated feedback from diverse stakeholders to ensure the future of the Spectrum is informed by global insights and best practices. At this point in the process, options for change have been developed by the international project team through extensive engagement work.
Below are summaries of the feedback leading to the proposed evolutions currently under consideration within the International Survey.
1. International Leading Practitioners Interviews
Interviews were conducted with 24 leading experienced practitioners representing every region of IAP2. The leading practitioners were selected from a mixture of IAP2 leaders, Core Values Award Winners, and recognized industry leaders and from a variety of specialties and industries. Interviewees were interviewed confidentiality with the project team to ensure honest feedback.
2. Regional Engagement (Led by IAP2 Regions)
The Regional engagement was conducted over a 10-week engagement and reporting window in August, September, and November of 2024.
IAP2 Regions and IAP2 International were invited to engage their networks and members to identify potential developments to the Spectrum.
3. Sensemaking Committee
The Sensemaking committee is an international advisory committee supporting the Spectrum Evolution Project Team. The members were chosen by their region using a common set of criteria to guide regional choice. While drawn from individual regions, committee members were asked to work with other practitioners to provide the best advice on the development of the Spectrum for international use. The Sensemaking Committee met for two half-day workshops during key points of the process to add their perspective to the feedback received from leading practitioners and the regional engagement in order to shape the next stages of engagement. In the final stage of the sensemaking process before the international practitioner survey a suggestion was to include an option to combine Consult and Involve as a way to clarify the promise of each level of the Spectrum.
IAP2 Core Values
The Core Values define the expectations and aspirations of the public participation process.
IAP2 Public Participation Spectrum
Helps determine the public’s role in a community engagement program.
IAP2 Code of Ethics
Guides the actions of those who advocate including all affected parties in public decision-making process.
IAP2 Quality Assurance Standard
For Community and Stakeholder Engagement.