Before consultation begins, we work with project teams to understand the project context, identify risks and opportunities, map key audiences and stakeholders, and plan how communication and engagement will work together. This creates a clear pathway from preparing people for consultation through to gathering feedback and closing the loop.
Good consultation is clear about what people can influence, what they can’t, and why. Crank develops feedback questions and engagement tools that are straightforward for communities to respond to while gathering information that gives confidence to the people making project decisions.
Transport projects can be complex. Working closely with technical teams, Crank turns designs, constraints and trade-offs into plain-language content that helps people understand what is proposed, why it matters and what they can influence. This includes identifying where translated content may be valuable, which languages are most relevant and coordinating translation where needed.
Brochures, surveys, maps, engagement boards, posters, signage, digital content and stakeholder materials can all be developed by Crank, with both copy and design produced in line with client brand guidelines. Keeping writing and design together reduces double-handling and helps make sure the content and visuals work as one clear consultation package.
Distribution is planned around the communities a project needs to reach, using the right mix of household mailouts, local signage, community networks, digital channels, local media and stakeholder communications.
Crank looks for opportunities to collaborate with community groups that have a strong connection to the project area and a deep understanding of the communities within it. These community partners can help review consultation content for accessibility, identify the right channels and places to engage, and work alongside the project team at consultation events. This helps connect the project with the people they know and work with. Learn more about Crank’s approach to community partnerships here.
Crank plans and delivers face-to-face engagement events that brings projects into the community, gives people the opportunity to ask questions and makes it easy to provide feedback on the spot. Events are tailored to different audiences and locations, often delivered in partnership with trusted community partners, helping projects reach beyond those who typically respond to consultation and hear a broader range of perspectives.
Crank identifies stakeholders who are affected by proposed changes, as well as those with strong influence or connections in the area, and recommends targeted engagement activity. We can then help establish clear and ongoing dialogue between the project team and key stakeholders, creating space to understand different perspectives, surface issues early and build relationships based on trust.
Crank brings together consultation feedback, stakeholder engagement and findings from across the consultation process, working with project and technical teams to coordinate responses where needed. We turn this into clear, accessible public-facing reports that show what was heard through consultation and how that feedback has been considered by the project.
Understand how people travel, what matters to them and what gets in the way of choosing different transport options.
Bring local knowledge and perspectives into the design process while working within clearly set strategic, technical and budgetary parameters.
Keep communities informed, manage disruption and maintain relationships while change is happening on the ground.
Create well-timed programmes and experiences that build confidence, excitement and uptake before, during and after new transport infrastructure is delivered.
