Free working template · 7 October 2026
Local government engagement strategy template
Use this outline to connect an engagement process with a real decision. Adapt it to the council’s current engagement policy and the requirements applying to the project. The worked prompts are illustrative, not a record of a client project.
Download the editable worksheet (.xlsx) ↗
The Excel workbook uses the Soft Infrastructure blue and cream worksheet template, with clear section headings, blank response fields and an illustrative example for each section. Open it in Excel or other compatible spreadsheet software. A4 landscape print settings are included. No sign-up is required.
1. Decision and influence
- Name the decision, decision-maker and milestones.
- Explain what is open to change and what is fixed.
- Write the public participation promise in plain language.
Example to adapt
Illustrative example: people can influence priorities and access arrangements for a service review. An already approved budget is a constraint. Explain both before inviting feedback.
2. People and access
- Identify affected communities, partners and decision-makers.
- Record missing perspectives and barriers created by the proposed process.
- Allocate access support, relationship-building time and appropriate participant support.
Example to adapt
Offer different participation options for people unable to attend a workshop. Work with trusted organisations while recognising that no intermediary represents every community member.
3. Methods and timetable
- Match each method to the question and participation purpose.
- Document recruitment, materials, facilitation and consent arrangements.
- Allow time for analysis and feedback before the decision is made.
Example to adapt
Use interviews to understand context and a workshop to test options. Explain what the resulting evidence can establish and where participation gaps remain.
4. Governance and evidence
- Allocate delivery, approval, records, privacy and escalation responsibilities.
- Agree how themes, differences and disagreement will be analysed.
- Maintain a decision trail between findings, options and recommendations.
Example to adapt
An issues log can record the theme, supporting evidence, response, owner and status. Do not equate a response count with influence or representative coverage.
5. Feedback and evaluation
- State when and how participants will hear what happened.
- Explain what changed, what did not and why.
- Review access, participation gaps, participant experience and the usefulness of findings.
Example to adapt
Provide an accessible findings summary after the decision and record lessons for future engagement. Keep unresolved questions visible rather than implying universal agreement.
Before sharing your brief
- Replace all examples with your own context.
- Mark unknowns and distinguish proposals from approved commitments.
- Check confidentiality, data access and relevant organisational requirements.
- Agree responsibilities, outputs, timing and resources.