This session will look at the paradigm shift from engagement in-person to online. How is this change shaping our sector? What can we expect from online sessions and what are their limitations? We will explore the barriers that many of us are encountering, as well as the opportunities that this shift can offer, setting the scene for the sessions in the weeks to come.

How do we ensure we are adapting our online workshops to the needs of our participants? In our final session, we will focus on aspects of inclusion online. We will reflect on how we make spaces where participants from a whole range of backgrounds and profiles feel comfortable and safe to engage. How do we adapt our sessions to specific groups and their needs? What training is required and how do we make sure that participation is not limited due to lack of digital literacy?

This is a chance to work on the skills required to facilitate an online workshop. Even if we are not in the same room, certain techniques can help to ensure a constructive atmosphere where everyone’s voice is equal. We will explore and test out a range of approaches that we can take as facilitators to break the ice, energise the group, brainstorm ideas and come to consensus. We will also look at facilitation methods to deal with particularly challenging situations such as conflict or lack of participation. Which in-person facilitation techniques translatewell to the online environment, and which fall flat?

Here we will explore a range of tools for online engagement with a focus on one-off workshops where the participants have not necessarily worked together. Zoom, Jitsi, Teams – which platform is best for what context? What about Google docs or more sophisticated tools for online collaboration such as Padlet – what should we bear in mind when opting for one or the other? We’ll open up discussion around our findings and offer you a chance to test a selection of tools and platforms during the workshop.

Our fourth session again looks at online tools and platforms, this time with longer-term processes in mind. What should we take into account when engaging mixed stakeholder groups alongside the public? How can digital whiteboards or collaborative tools such as Miro and Mural help us engage

stakeholder groups in co-design and deliberation processes for the first time? What training is required and how do we make sure that participation is not limited due to lack of digital literacy?