How to engage with stakeholders in a broad and inclusive manner

Work at the local level. Coordination around safety and security issues, as well as a willingness to problem-solve to produce results, can be easier to realise at the local level. Furthermore, building a sense of ownership for safety and security at the local level may help minimize the impacts of changes in the national government.

Develop varied strategies for different government stakeholders. Consultations can be social (e.g. through informal discussions), more formal and structured (e.g. through workshops, public hearings or negotiations) or a combination of the two.

• Support and participate in focus groups, roundtables and town hall meetings to discuss security and human rights issues. Attending these events will allow the company to meet relevant actors and to take part in dedicated security and human rights working groups (see in-country working groups).
• Consult a wide range of individuals and agencies. Engaging only with a narrow group can mean that others feel left out and do not respect agreements. This can have the unintended consequence of reinforcing existing power imbalances.