Participation Toolkit
The Participation Toolkit suggests a range of tools, guidance and resources which can be useful for planning community engagement.
This is not an exhaustive list, but includes some well-known methods which are tried and tested, as well as some more recently-developed techniques.
Not sure where to start? Our step-by-step guide to engaging asks a series of questions to help you plan your engagement activity.
Use the filter buttons to help you to choose a method that meets your needs.
After Action Reviews
A facilitated discussion about an activity or project that allows the participants to review what happened, track progress, and capture lessons for the future.
Find out more
Citizens' jury
A representative group of 12 to 25 people considers evidence from a range of experts and agrees some recommendations.
Find out more
Comments cards
A simple and low cost way for service users to write down and post their thoughts and/or feedback.
Find out more
Displays and exhibitions
Provide information to people in a public space, with some opportunities for people to share their views.
Find out more
Dot voting
A quick and informal way for people to give feedback on, or prioritise, a range of options using sticky dots.
Find out more
Electronic voting
People give their views on an issue using electronic means to cast and count votes. It can be useful during events and conferences as part of the wider participation process.
Find out more
Emotional touchpoints
A simple but powerful way of helping people share their experiences which can challenge assumptions about what matters to them.
Find out more
Facebook groups
Online communities within Facebook’s platform which users can join and where participation is encouraged. Groups are built around common interests or goals and may be closed or open.
Find out more
Focus groups
Facilitated discussions between a small number of people who share experience or knowledge as a specific community or demographic
Find out more
Graphic facilitation
Use of words, symbols and pictures to facilitate and record a conversation or process.
Find out more
Head, heart, bag and bin
An informal and user friendly method of gathering feedback on a topic, event, project or training.
Find out more
One-to-one interviews
A conversation between 2 people, a researcher and a participant, which can range from highly structured with pre-determined topics or a free flow.
Find out more
Online meetings
Online meetings and events have become the norm. How can we make sure they are engaging and accessible for everyone taking part?
Find out more
Patient diaries
Gather qualitative information about people's experience of using services in order to help shape service improvements.
Find out more
Presentations and talking to groups
Talking directly to people in their own setting is a good way of getting information across and building an ongoing relationship.
Find out more
Process mapping
A picture of a person's 'journey' through a particular health or social care service which can help to understand the experience of care from a user perspective.
Find out more
Public meetings
An open discussion about a topic held in public with an opportunity to receive information and ask questions
Find out more
Speed networking
Participants exchange information with one another in a short timescale.
Find out more
Talking Mats
Talking Mats is a visual communication framework which supports people with communication difficulties to express their feelings and views, including about what matters to them.
Find out more
User panels
A representative group of service users, carers and communities whose lived experience helps to influence and improve services.
Find out more
World cafe
Linked conversations from several small groups helps to identify common themes and bring about new insights.
Find out more
Written information
High-quality, trustworthy and accessible information underpins effective community engagement.
Find out more
Video Feedback
Video feedback allows organisations to gather information, comments and experiences directly from participants in video format.
Find out more