Challenge
East Riding of Yorkshire Council needed to develop a widely supported climate action plan by engaging a diverse cross-section of the population. The region’s demographic variation posed a challenge in ensuring engagement methods were inclusive, accessible and effective, as it included:
- businesses and infrastructure stakeholders
- community groups and political leaders
- digitally excluded communities, such as elderly residents.
Approach
In partnership with ADAS and Nature Positive, Copper designed and delivered a tailored engagement strategy that combined digital innovation with community-based outreach, which included:
- developing sector-specific engagement plans targeting key stakeholder groups
- using a multichannel campaign including face-to-face meetings and exhibitions, webinars and press outreach and targeted digital advertising to boost reach
- Applying Communify software to identify under-represented demographics and tailor the strategy accordingly (e.g. prioritising in-person events for elderly audiences)
- Focusing on data-led decision-making to inform where, how and who to engage at each stage.
Value delivered
- Reached over 100,000 people across the borough
- Achieved a 114% increase in project website visits
- Successfully engaged harder-to-reach communities through targeted, inclusive engagement
- Ensured robust input into the climate action plan from a wide range of stakeholders
- Contributed to a draft plan approved for Cabinet sign-off in April 2024, supported by a credible and transparent engagement process