Our work for WRSE included running two high-profile public consultations to inform the development of its first regional plan.
Led by Penny Hodge, we translated highly complex, technical modelling into an accessible suite of materials for a range of audiences.
An interactive, non-technical summary that highlighted the scale of the challenge being faced and clearly explained the solutions needed to plug the gap in water supplies was at the heart of the consultation material.
This was further simplified through a series of short films, breaking the plan into bite-sized chunks to help those not as familiar with the subject engage with the consultation.
All the consultation material was housed on a bespoke consultation hub, helping visitors to easily navigate through information, ask questions and streamline responses through a dedicated survey.
We promoted the consultation through an integrated communications campaign, using digital and traditional channels. It included direct stakeholder engagement, interactive webinars, online Q&A sessions and the use of social channels, as well as achieving regional and national media coverage.
Throughout both consultations, we worked closely with WRSE six member companies to align engagement and messaging, coordinate proactive and reactive media engagement and ensure the consultations were appropriately joined-up.
Understanding the importance of WRSE’s proposals, we organised two parliamentary events to take their message to policymakers to make the case for critical investment in water resources – and address local concerns.
This included a small breakfast briefing for MPs whose constituencies would be affected by some of the significant infrastructure being proposed. This helped WRSE secure advocates in parliament, laying the foundations for future engagement.
We also organised a parliamentary launch for the draft regional plan with a range of high-profile speakers, attended by over 60 MPs and wider stakeholders – including committee chairs, ministers and representatives of local councils and environmental groups.
Across the two consultations almost 700 people joined our webinars, our films were viewed over 1,800 times and WRSE received more than 2,000 responses to the two consultations from across the South East. Ofwat described WRSE’s engagement as “positive” and recognised its effectiveness saying they were “encouraged to see the wide engagement carried out by WRSE to seek views on their approach and proposals”.
Chris Murray, Independent Chair of WRSE, said: Create 51’s work has allowed us to engage with our stakeholders more deeply and more effectively than ever before. They are an integral part of the WRSE team and I very much value their advice and guidance.”
