One of the most
significant limitations to economic growth and achievement of development goals
in any country, city or area is the shortcoming of its infrastructure; the
fundamental facilities and systems that serve to enable it to function.
BSI, the business
standards company, has just released a publically available specification, PAS
11007:2019 Stakeholder engagement – specification, to make sure all interested
parties are engaged throughout the lifecycle of the infrastructure project.
This PAS addresses a
recognized need to encourage better engagement and greater consistency in
communications with infrastructure project stakeholders to enhance the overall
effectiveness of their involvement, and the project.
PAS 11007 was
developed to provide a framework that specifies the requirements for
establishing processes at both organizational and project level while
effectively engaging with the project stakeholders once infrastructure projects
are underway. The aim is to ensure stakeholders do not feel inconvenienced or
affected unnecessarily by the project but instead feel a part of the
contribution and are clear about the overall end benefits.
Ant Burd, Head of
Built Environment at BSI said: “Often on infrastructure projects the
stake-holders can feel they are being inconvenienced due to a lack of
engagement, understanding of their comments and the timing of their
involvement. This document provides a framework to ensure communication with
stakeholders is accurate and honest and that their concerns are understood,
addressed and mitigated if necessary. It opens a way forward for much better
engagement with all those involved in such important projects.
“It is expected that
the application of this PAS will enable a more efficient delivery of
infrastructure projects through greater inclusion and satisfaction of all users
and stakeholders affected by the project.”
PAS 11007 was
developed by a steering committee and underwent a peer and public review
as is normal practice in such a consensus document. It is applicable to
organizations of all sizes involved in the implementation of infrastructure and
construction in all its elements including transportation, utilities and
communication systems, but not limited to these areas.
