Stakeholder and media engagement and planning support

We developed and are currently delivering a three-phase programme of work as below:

Phase 1 – development of a communications strategy and plan for the project

This was based around audience insight and stakeholder mapping and a detailed understanding of the technology and the proposed operations.

We developed a communications plan, setting out objectives, identifying stakeholders and detailing an agreed core story, along with key messages, about the company and the proposed Sunderland development that explains in plain English:

• what is being proposed
• the economic, social, and environmental benefits (principally to Sunderland but also the wider region/UK
• how the unique and sustainable technology works
• how the very local community around the plant can benefit and get involved in the plans.

The strategy also included agreed communications channels and tactics, a timeline for planned activity and proposed metrics for measuring success.

Phase 2 – media, political and community engagement

DTW led a co-ordinated outreach programme of media, political and community engagement that began in the early stages and ran throughout the planning period. This included:

• announcement of the plans with advance briefings for key stakeholders
• pre-application consultation events giving local stakeholders the opportunity to view and influence the plans prior to the application being submitted
• creation of a wide variety of content explaining the plans and the benefits (exhibition boards, leaflets, posters, web copy, social posts, and newspaper advertisements)
• ongoing direct engagement with local councillors, MPs, colleges, and community groups
• appropriate liaison with Port of Sunderland and council communications teams
• targeted media relations with a focus on both print and broadcast regional and local media (and engagement with trade and business magazines/outlets)
• direct engagement with neighbouring businesses and residents in the Hendon/Port area who may feel impacted by the plans
• use of photography, artists’ impressions and video/drone/animation to show the location, ‘explain/sell’ the technology, and inform of the benefits
• DTW input into preparation of Statement of Community Involvement and wider planning documents as required
• organising job and skills fairs in the local community.

Phase 3 – ongoing engagement as the plant comes to life

This is a future phase of work – building on the pre-construction engagement activity, maintaining momentum and engagement with local stakeholders, and ensuring that Quantafuel is playing its part in the community as a good neighbour to nearby residents and businesses.