Fundamentals of Community Engagement and Stakeholder Relations
Be Transformed
Offered in partnership with Synergy Global Consulting
Course Overview
In recent years, the context of businesses and society has evolved significantly. There is a growing recognition that businesses cannot operate in isolation from the communities and societies in which they operate. Understanding community stakeholder engagement within the broader ambit of social impact management in socially complex environments, has become increasingly important for businesses globally. This course provides students with an introduction to the required knowledge, methods and tools for establishing and sustaining positive relationships with local communities and project stakeholders.
What you will walk away with
- An opportunity to network and debate with delegates from different industries and functional areas from across sub-Saharan Africa
- Practical on-the-ground experience with a post-programme assignment which ensures that learning is implemented back in the workplace
- An understanding of the factors influencing stakeholder relations and community engagement.
- The ability to assess the risks and opportunities associated with different levels of community support and stakeholder relations.
- Various approaches to stakeholder identification, mapping and analysis based on the project context.
- Techniques to design effective stakeholder engagement plans.
- Skills required for effective communication and engagement.
- A deeper understanding into the causes of conflict and methods for managing conflict.
- Access to the vast UCT GSB global alumni community
Additional Course Information
MODULE BREAKDOWN
Curriculum Overview
Module 1
Introduction to community engagement and social impact management: setting the scene
This module provides an orientation and analyses the operating context of the course within ESG, Sustainability, and Social Performance. It also examines human behaviour and how understanding it is vital for interacting with stakeholders and local communities.
Module 2
Understanding your context and objectives
Module 2 focuses on the operating context by identifying and analysing project stakeholders, social impacts, and associated risks. Participants learn to set long-term objectives, better understand community stakeholder support, and explore approaches to managing both negative and positive social impacts. The notion of Social Licence to Operate is also introduced.
Module 3
Planning and implementation
This module introduces the basics of effective stakeholder and community engagement, including techniques and methods, and presents critical skills in basic facilitation. Participants also cover planning for Stakeholder Engagement and Social Impact Management, including exercises in stakeholder mapping and analysis.
Module 4
Conflict, collaboration and partnerships
Module 4 includes two elective sessions: "Understanding and managing conflict and competing interests" and "Community Investment and Development". The module also includes a panel discussion which discusses the importance and challenges of external collaboration and creating partnerships.
Module 5
Readying the organisation: Systems, processes and people
This module focuses on monitoring and evaluation, and applies key principles by using a project grievance mechanism as a case study. It also covers gaining support from internal stakeholders and how to influence and effect change within the organization.
Module 6
Applying what we’ve learnt
The final module unpacks the complicated dynamics of managing community stakeholder expectations. It also includes an in-class assignment where participants apply their learning to real-life cases, followed by a presentation and a final reflection and wrap-up.
You'll gain practical, actionable insights into effective community engagement, understanding community stakeholder relations, and social impact management, which is crucial for driving sustainable initiatives and positive social change.
Minimum Requirements:
- National Senior Certificate, NQF 4 or equivalent
- English proficiency
Who should apply:
ESG professionals across corporate, public service, and civil society sectors.
Partnership
This course is offered in partnership with Synergy Global Consulting, with 24 years’ experience in stakeholder relations
What our alumni say
Learn with the best
Our Internationally acclaimed researchers and teachers are all dedicated and gifted individuals who contribute directly to UCT GSB's reputation of excellence.
Course Convenor
Ralph is a professor at the UCT Graduate School of Business and works on business sustainability and social innovation and entrepreneurship.
Course Convenor
As a social scientist, the focus of Alison’s work over the past 25 years has been in the field of ‘social performance’, predominantly in the extractive industry (mining), and over recent years, in the renewable energy sector.
FAQ
15% for 3 - 6 applicants (bulk discount applied from third applicant)
10% for 7+ applicants (bulk discount applied to all applicants)
10% for alumni of UCT GSB academic and Executive Education courses
The UCT GSB's Breakwater Campus is situated in the heart of Cape Town's most popular tourist attraction, the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. Centrally located and easily accessed, the UCT GSB is just 1.5km away from the central business district and 20 minutes from Cape Town International Airport.
As an added benefit to studying at the UCT GSB, you'll be situated in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Certificate of completion
Flights & accommodation costs are not included.
The course is a non-credit-bearing course delivered at the equivalent of an NQF 8 postgraduate level of study.
The course is accredited through UCT, which is a registered public higher education institution with the Council on Higher Education (CHE). Each programme is accredited through an internal UCT quality assurance process, as delegated by the CHE, ensuring the excellent quality of our offering.
In short, this course does not refer to NQF levels.
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