Registration and refreshments
08:45 to
09:30
Chair’s welcome and opening remarks
09:30 to
09:40
Part 1: The future of consultation – the progress with reforms and how engagement is being redefined
09:40 to
11:45
Conducting effective consultation following key planning reforms – the latest updates on removing the statutory requirements for pre-application engagement
09:40 to
10:05
- The implementation of the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 – where are we now and next steps?
- Streamlining consultation requirements – crucial insight on the guidance for pre-application
- What is still expected from project promoters? Ensuring engagement quality can be assessed consistently
Consultation in a post-reform world – what are the key requirements and possible implications going forward?
10:05 to
10:30
- What are the differences in potential legal challenges pre and post reform?
- What could planning reforms mean for future judicial reviews?
- Adapting your consultation strategy to effectively manage legal risks
Panel discussion: What does good engagement look like in 2027 and beyond? How will policy changes strengthen the consultation process?
10:30 to
11:15
- Unlocking opportunities for more proportionate and meaningful engagement
- What are the potential risks of planning reforms and how can these be managed?
- How are approaches to engagement changing in the evolving consultation landscape?
- Understanding the future role of statutory bodies and local communities in the early stages of development – what information will they require and when?
- How should consultation now be defined?
Morning networking and refreshments
11:15 to
11:45
Part 2: Consultation in practice – harnessing support and implementing community benefits
11:45 to
15:15
Designing an engagement strategy that reduces consultation fatigue and delivers successful outcomes
11:45 to
12:10
- Recognising when communities feel over-consulted and disengaged
- Understanding the right level of engagement to keep communities interested without overwhelming them
- Ensuring local stakeholders see the results of their engagement to prevent the risk of fatigue
Engaging across different community groups – reaching supportive audiences while understanding and navigating public concerns
12:10 to
12:35
- How do different audiences interpret information? Ensuring your message resonates with key stakeholders
- Establishing your own communication channels to directly manage scheme’s information and build public trust
- The best approaches to tackling miscommunication around your project
- The rise of AI and the impacts on the spread of misinformation
Networking Lunch
12:35 to
13:35
Unlocking community benefits and local investment for infrastructure schemes – how to deliver the greatest impact
13:35 to
14:00
- How to effectively manage community funds to maximise value for local areas
- What local ownership models work best and how can these be implemented?
- Supporting the wellbeing of communities and stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle
Panel discussion: Practical strategies for delivering high-quality engagement – what innovative approaches and tools are being used today?
14:00 to
14:45
- Moving away from outdated practices towards more effective methods of consultation
- Lessons learned from different sectors that can be applied to future projects
- Examples of rising digital technologies that are improving engagement
- Consulting in areas where demand for infrastructure schemes continues to growth – new techniques for addressing cumulative impacts
Afternoon networking and refreshments
14:45 to
15:15
Part 3: Delivering effective consultation and lasting engagement outcomes
15:15 to
16:30
Engaging on new and emerging infrastructure types – communicating complex information in a fast-moving environment
15:15 to
15:40
- Increasing knowledge around new types of infrastructure projects
- Consulting stakeholders when technology is changing rapidly and key details are still emerging
- Simplifying complex information to make engagement more accessible and inclusive
Case study: making the project case and overcoming key consultation barriers
15:40 to
16:05
- What are the specific challenges faced by energy schemes and how can these be addressed during consultation?
- Demonstrating the need for your development – navigating public perception and misconceptions
- Rebuilding community trust for large-scale infrastructure
Demonstrating the results of consultation across the project lifecycle and delivering long-term engagement
16:05 to
16:30
- Setting up a clear and accessible process for collecting feedback and tracking responses
- Communicating back to local stakeholders what has been done with their input
- Maintaining meaningful relationships with communities through construction and operations
Chair’s closing remarks
16:30 to
16:40
Close of conference and networking drinks
16:40 to
17:00