Introduction to Core Guidance

It is clear from reading the Digital Dialogues case studies that online engagement is challenging and innovative. It has its own unique advantages and risks, as well as reflecting those encountered in any other form of engagement activity.

Online engagement should not be undertaken lightly; the scale of the tasks involved can be demanding. However, nor should they be overstated; good online engagement is achievable even where experience and resources are limited.

This section of the Digital Dialogues report presents a collection of core guidance resources. These have developed from the training materials provided to case study owners, and on the basis of the case study evaluations.

The guidance is not definitive; online engagement methods and theory are in their formative stages, and terms such as ‘best practice’ must be regarded as fluid and open to interpretation. However, we are confident that this guidance will prove of value to those in government who wish to plan a form of online engagement that is efficient, effective and sustainable.