Past participants have told us that Engagement Evaluation should be a “must do” course for engagers.
The ability to accurately communicate engagement results to different stakeholders is not only best practice – but also shows the value of engagement.

It has been a long and fraught last 8 months. As a nation, we have come together to support each other in unprecedented ways with record fundraising and support, and I found myself wondering whether we were also coming together in our level of concern and perception on issues like climate change.

Traditional public and patient engagement is, seemingly, committed to a top-down method of engaging patients. With a narrow focus on service user experience, ultimately, it distances patients and carers from decision-making. But what if it were possible to equalise power across executive, corporate governance, design and delivery? What if equal involvement of patients and carers as an integral part of decision-making could lead not only to an authentic engagement, but humanise healthcare for patients, staff and health professionals?

Being part of a community of practice with other engagement practitioners is a great way to meet other engagement practitioners to learn, share experiences, bounce ideas and support each other. This article outlines how our practice group has been helping each other to adapt to engagement under COVID-19 restrictions and provides information for those wanting to set up their own group.

What motivates us as practitioners?  Does it encompass a genuine love of people, a delight in creating effective engagement channels and a passion for community advocacy?  These are just some of the ideas that came to mind when I was asked to contribute an article as a new Director, IAP2 Australasia. 

Human Centred Design or User Centred Design has been a commonly used term for many years now. A simple google search uncovers multiple definitions often referring to the concept as a problem-solving technique, an element of behavioural science or an approach to interactive systems development. The commonality is that all definitions are centred around involving a human perspective. In my mind, Human Centred Design is, in its most simple form, the concept of engaging with the people who are impacted by a change in the design of that change.

Since 2014, over 9000 participants have completed IAP2 Australasia’s Engagement Essentials training. And for the first time, this valuable module for anyone who wants, or needs, to engage is available to study in our facilitated virtual classroom. 

Join us next Thursday, 7 May, as we share stories with former international athlete, SBS presenter and human rights advocate, Craig Foster.