HOI recognises that COVID-19 has impacted on how we live and work. In particular, the effects of social distancing and border restrictions are impacting on the ability to inform, collaborate and engage with stakeholders via traditional methods. Consequently, we have been effectively utilising more innovative methods to engage and consult with stakeholders online to ensure communication channels are maintained and to foster ongoing discussion and collaboration.
- Face-to-face consultations. Where possible and appropriate, HOI meets with stakeholders face-to-face to collaborate, obtain feedback and information, and facilitate relationship building.
- Video conferencing. We are embracing video conferencing as a secondary communication method and hold 1:1 meetings and group discussions via Zoom and Microsoft Teams. We work with each individual stakeholder group to ascertain their preferred technology and be flexible in our approach to meet their needs. We encourage videos to be turned on in meetings as video cameras capture expressions and body language which will support our communication approach in both a 1:1 and team environment.
- Measured approach to stakeholder engagement. We are taking a more conscientious and measured approach in developing our stakeholder engagement strategy to ensure the proposed engagement tools and timeframes meet the needs of each stakeholder group.
- Remaining client-centric. We retain our commitment to being client-centric. This means we continue to carefully plan and think about the client and stakeholder to ensure we facilitate a quality stakeholder engagement experience by providing a range of digital tools (e.g. shared documents) and communication channels to provide feedback and support stakeholder ‘buy in’.
- Closing the feedback loop. We remain committed to closing feedback loops by providing stakeholders with the opportunity to comment on the way we have analysed and interpreted the information they provide.
- Accommodating stakeholders who are not able to communicate using online technology. Recognising that some stakeholders may be reluctant or unable to participate electronically (e.g. limited internet access) we arrange alternative communication channels (e.g. telephone discussions and face to face where possible).