Update: 3 July 2026
Statement from Michele Barry, Chair – Engagement Institute
I’m sharing this here in my role as Chair of the Engagement Institute Board, and also as someone who cares deeply about this profession and the people who have helped shape it.
There have been conversations over the past few weeks about the future of the IAP2 Spectrum, and what that means for engagement practice here in our region. As Chair of the Engagement Institute, I wanted to add a personal note.
First, thank you to everyone who has taken the time to ask questions, complete surveys, make submissions, share views or help others understand what is being discussed. There is a lot of care in this conversation, and I genuinely value that. This profession is full of people who give a lot, often quietly, often voluntarily, and often because they believe deeply in better decisions and better communities.
IAP2 is an important part of our heritage and our DNA. The Spectrum has been part of the fabric of engagement practice for a long time. Many of us have used it, taught it, scribbled it on whiteboards, relied on it in strategy docs, and to explain engagement, influence and decision-making in a way that is simple and powerful. Of course, people feel strongly about it. They should.
There are some things we could have done better and sharing your story and feedback during this journey is one of them. The Spectrum Evolution work has been underway for some time, and there has already been quite a body of feedback gathered, including substantial and consistent feedback from practitioners across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand about how we can make the Spectrum even better. Thank you for all your feedback. We heard you and we are reformatting the Spectrum Project page and report, so it is clearer and easier to find and follow.
We are excited to have already started sharing the background and key themes in simpler, more accessible updates, and we will keep doing that over the coming weeks. We are also moving this information to a dedicated project page so members and practitioners can more easily see the history of the work, the feedback gathered, and what happens next.
Some of the questions being raised relate to the current IAP2 International process. The Spectrum is IAP2 International’s intellectual property, and that process is theirs to lead. Where feedback relates to Engagement Institute and what we can do better, we have taken it on board, and where it relates Spectrum process, we will pass it on. A key part of our role is to advocate for quality engagement practice and standards in our region. Which we will continue to do.
The good news is that what we are hearing now strongly aligns with what we heard through the earlier Australasian feedback. Practitioners want tools and guidance that are clear, practical, contemporary and grounded in the way engagement is actually practised here. That is great feedback, and it gives us plenty to work with!
There is a lot of history and feeling in this conversation. I understand that. I also think it is a good sign. It shows people care about the profession, the tools we use, and the standards we hold ourselves to. We will use that care constructively, positively and progressively.
Engagement Institute is the peak body for engagement practice, and with that comes a responsibility to lead strategically with professionalism, care and respect. We need to reflect the voices of all our members, practitioner and sector leaders, whilst also respecting the governance standards and requirements expected as an affiliate of IAP2. These standards are important to us and we are working hard to support the professionalisation of the engagement sector through advocacy, standards, thought leadership and capability building.
We have a real opportunity to keep strengthening engagement practice, improving the tools that support it, and listening to the people who use those tools every day. More updates, news and progress on this work will be shared through the Engagement Institute website, LinkedIn and member newsletters.
If you have questions, concerns or ideas, please reach out to myself or our CEO Marion Short. We are listening, and we will keep sharing more as this work continues.
Update: 2 July 2026
Over the past three years, members and practitioners have made a substantial contribution to the conversation about how the IAP2 Spectrum and engagement practice need to evolve.
We know there are questions about what has happened so far, what practitioners have told us, and what it means for engagement practice in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. So, over the next few weeks, Engagement Institute is taking the opportunity to share back what members and practitioners across our region have already told us.
The message has been clear and consistent: the Spectrum has been foundational to engagement practice, and the tools that support practitioners need to keep evolving with the work.
As we prepare a short What We Heard summary, we’ll be sharing some of the key themes: what we heard, why it matters, and how it is informing Engagement Institute’s next steps.
Highlights
Update: June 2026
IAP2’s Spectrum of Public Participation has helped shape engagement practice around the world for decades. Now, the IAP2 Spectrum Evolution 2026 process is entering its final phase — and we’re inviting global practitioners and the public to review and share feedback on what the next evolution of IAP2’s Spectrum could look like.
The Spectrum has played a significant role in shaping engagement practice for more than two decades. It has helped practitioners, organisations and communities have clearer conversations about participation, influence and decision-making. We respect that legacy and the contribution the Spectrum has made to engagement practice globally.
Member and practitioner perspectives are important, and the Engagement Institute encourages anyone who wishes to contribute to IAP2 International’s current consultation to review the proposed changes and complete the survey by 22 June 2026.
Previous Stages
As Australasia represents 70% of IAP2 International membership, our members played a significant role in the first stage of the international project held over 2023-2025 to evolve the Spectrum. Almost 2,000 practitioners in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand provided their ideas for change and what to keep.
You can read the final IAP2 Spectrum project report here.
Key engagement activities included:
- June–July 2024: Leading practitioner interviews – 24 interviews conducted across all IAP2 regions.
- August–October 2024: Regional engagement – more than 1,800 instances of participation through workshops, sessions at the Australasia Annual Conference and New Zealand Symposium, and surveys supported by a consultation framework.
- November–December 2024: Sensemaking Committee workshops – nominated practitioners from each region collaborated to interpret and synthesise feedback gathered during the engagement phase.
- February–March 2025: Global survey – 547 responses received across five languages, testing proposed changes to the Spectrum.
- April–October 2025: Decision-making meetings – facilitated by endorsed regional representatives and IAP2 International representatives.
Across interviews, engagement and surveys, more than 2,400 points of participation contributed to shaping the Evolution of the Spectrum. The feedback gathered through that first stage (2024-2025) is now informing this final phase of the project being led by IAP2 International.
Australasian Feedback 2024-2025
The feedback from Australasia reflected the depth and maturity of engagement practice across our region and represented the substantive feedback globally.
You can read the Australasia report here
Australasian practitioners told us that contemporary engagement is broader than a single decision point. It is often relational, long-term and context specific. It can be organisation-led or community-led. It can involve shared responsibility, implementation, advocacy, accountability and action. It also needs to reflect the different ways engagement is practised across local, regional, national and cultural contexts.
Members told us:
- They wanted a stronger purpose statement,
- that the goal and promise were not helpful in distinguishing the levels,
- there is a need for greater clarity and distinction between the levels,
- in particular Consult, Involve and Collaborate were not clearly distinguished
- the wording and presentation of the Spectrum was out of date
- a model that demonstrates that engagement is not linear, and
- that Inform is a both a foundational level as well as a level in its own right.
- It needs to reflect the relational context for organisational level commitment for long term partnerships
The Engagement Institute supported the proposed changes developed through that stage of the process.
We thank all our members and practitioners who contributed their time, experience and care to that work.
Australasia has a long history of developing tools, models and resources that have supported both local practice and the broader IAP2 global family. Some of these resources are licensed to IAP2 International to use, including the Community Engagement Model, the Practice Framework, the Methods Matrix and the 2015 curriculum. These resources together with the Quality Assurance Standard for Community and Stakeholder Engagement have benefited the profession well beyond Australasia and reflect our long-standing contribution to global standards and practice.
Engagement Institute remains committed to contributing constructively to strong global standards and supporting practical, contemporary tools and resources that help engagement professionals do their best work.
Members can:
- Review the current IAP2 International consultation materials and complete the survey
- Read the IAP2 Evolution of the Spectrum Project Final Report November 2025
- Read the Regional Engagement Australasian Report
- Read the below previous project summary
We will continue to keep members informed as the process progresses.
Update: April 2025
IAP2 Spectrum Evolution Project – Engagement Summary
The IAP2 Spectrum of Public Participation has been a foundational tool for engagement practitioners since its official launch in 1998. Originally developed by Marty Rozelle, Lewis Michaelson and Doug Sarno, the Spectrum has guided how practitioners and decision-makers involve communities in public decision-making for over three decades.
Recognising the need to adapt to a rapidly evolving engagement landscape, IAP2 International launched the Spectrum Evolution Project. This global initiative, led by Marion Short (Australasia), Chris Cannon (USA), and Anne Pattillo (New Zealand), was designed to test whether the Spectrum remains fit for purpose and to explore enhancements.
The project included:
- Interviews with 24 international leading practitioners
- Regional workshops and engagement across IAP2 regions
- Input from the Sensemaking Committee, a globally representative advisory group
Australasia engagement
A range of engagement approaches were used to enable contribution across our region:
- IAP2 Australasia Brisbane Conference 2023
- A workshop led by Anne Pattillo.
- IAP2 Australasia Sydney Conference 2024
- A full conference session by Isabella GiaVulva – Community Engagement Drag Queen to engage interest and participation and feedback on the Spectrum and our practice
- A conference Spectrum Evolution workshop
- A workshop for IAP2A trainers
- Conversations and workshops led by practitioners across the region. These volunteer practitioners ran sessions and small conversations within their organisations, networks and communities.
- IAP2 Australasia also led three major online workshops
- Online survey
You can read the Regional Engagement Australasian Report here.
These stages informed four key proposed changes to the Spectrum:
- Adding a purpose statement alongside the Spectrum graphic
- Clarifying the descriptions of each level
- Combining Consult and Involve for clearer distinction
- Repositioning Inform to underpin all levels, recognising its foundational role
The final engagement stage invited global practitioners to participate in an international survey and provide feedback on these proposed changes. With the survey now closed, the insights gathered will guide the future evolution of the IAP2 Spectrum and ensure it continues to support best-practice engagement worldwide.
About the IAP2 Spectrum Evolution Project
The focus of the Spectrum Evolution project was to identify if the Spectrum is fit for purpose and whether there are changes to make the Spectrum even better for the future.
The project was designed to provide three engagement opportunities to shape potential improvements to the spectrum. These included:
- Leading Practitioner interviews: – Identifying current experience
- Workshops and engagement led by IAP2 regions
- Workshops and engagement led by the International Board with the International network
The next and final stage of the project is a final online survey available for all practitioners, IAP2 members and people committed to engagement.
What Have We Heard So Far?
The IAP2 Spectrum Evolution project has incorporated feedback from diverse stakeholders to ensure the future of the Spectrum is informed by global insights and best practices. At this point in the process, options for change have been developed by the international project team through extensive engagement work.
Below are summaries of the feedback leading to the proposed evolutions currently under consideration within the International Survey.
- International Leading Practitioners Interviews
Interviews were conducted with 24 leading experienced practitioners representing every region of IAP2. The leading practitioners were selected from a mixture of IAP2 leaders, Core Values Award Winners, and recognized industry leaders and from a variety of specialties and industries. Interviewees were interviewed confidentiality with the project team to ensure honest feedback.
- Regional Engagement (Led by IAP2 Regions)
The Regional engagement was conducted over a 10-week engagement and reporting window in August, September, and November of 2024.IAP2 Regions and IAP2 International were invited to engage their networks and members to identify potential developments to the Spectrum.
- Sensemaking Committee
The Sensemaking committee is an international advisory committee supporting the Spectrum Evolution Project Team. The members were chosen by their region using a common set of criteria to guide regional choice. While drawn from individual regions, committee members were asked to work with other practitioners to provide the best advice on the development of the Spectrum for international use. The Sensemaking Committee met for two half-day workshops during key points of the process to add their perspective to the feedback received from leading practitioners and the regional engagement in order to shape the next stages of engagement. In the final stage of the sensemaking process before the international practitioner survey a suggestion was to include an option to combine Consult and Involve as a way to clarify the promise of each level of the Spectrum.
Update: march 2025
IAP2 Spectrum Evolution Communications
Email Communications
Social Media Posts
Update: february 2025
IAP2 Spectrum Evolution Project
Your final chance to shape the IAP2 Spectrum of Public Participation.
Introduction
This information is designed to support you to participate in the final engagement phase of the IAP2 Spectrum Evolution project. The project has been progressing over the last year to ensure that the IAP2 Spectrum of Public Participation (the Spectrum) is fit for purpose to guide engagement for the next few years.
The project team is led by Marion Short, Australasia Chief Executive Officer, Chris Canning from the USA and Anne Pattillo from New Zealand. This is an IAP2 International project with IAP2 Australasia as Project Manager graciously agreeing to host the surveys.
We are reaching the final stage of the project and now is the last opportunity for you to give feedback on four suggestions for a potential change to the Spectrum.
If you have already been part of the project and feel ready to participate in the final engagement stage of the International Spectrum Evolution survey, please go to the survey in your relevant language below:
English (https://iap2a.jotform.com/250422505076954)
Español (https://iap2a.jotform.com/250424953517963)
Português (https://iap2a.jotform.com/250428639960970)
Français (https://iap2a.jotform.com/250431591230951)
Bahasa (https://iap2a.jotform.com/250430789889979)
If not, below is some information about the project and what we have heard to date.
To hear from our project team members Chris Cannon and Anne Pattillo on the importance of the project and your participation in the global survey, watch the video below:
Video with Subtitles
- Português – https://youtu.be/4dMRUhzQknA
- Français https://youtu.be/E4TiPck1Zvg
- Bahasa https://youtu.be/jNfL33dqOq8
- Español – https://youtu.be/QuC6ihnnD9I
About the IAP2 Spectrum Evolution Project
The focus of the Spectrum Evolution project was to identify if the Spectrum is fit for purpose and whether there are changes to make the Spectrum even better for the future.
The project was designed to provide three engagement opportunities to shape potential improvements to the spectrum. These included:
- Leading Practitioner interviews: – Identifying current experience
- Workshops and engagement led by Iap2 regions
- Workshops and engagement led by the International Board with the International network: –
The next and final stage of the project is a final online survey available for all practitioners, IAP2 members and people committed to engagement.
What Have We Heard So Far?
The IAP2 Spectrum Evolution project has incorporated feedback from diverse stakeholders to ensure the future of the Spectrum is informed by global insights and best practices. At this point in the process, options for change have been developed by the international project team through extensive engagement work.
Below are summaries of the feedback leading to the proposed evolutions currently under consideration within the International Survey.
- International Leading Practitioners Interviews
Interviews were conducted with 24 leading experienced practitioners representing every region of IAP2. The leading practitioners were selected from a mixture of IAP2 leaders, Core Values Award Winners, and recognized industry leaders and from a variety of specialties and industries. Interviewees were interviewed confidentiality with the project team to ensure honest feedback.
- Regional Engagement (Led by IAP2 Regions)
The Regional engagement was conducted over a 10-week engagement and reporting window in August, September, and November of 2024.
IAP2 Regions and IAP2 International were invited to engage their networks and members to identify potential developments to the Spectrum.
- Sensemaking Committee
The Sensemaking committee is an international advisory committee supporting the Spectrum Evolution Project Team. The members were chosen by their region using a common set of criteria to guide regional choice. While drawn from individual regions, committee members were asked to work with other practitioners to provide the best advice on the development of the Spectrum for international use.
Geographic Participation Representation:
The Sensemaking Committee met for two half-day workshops during key points of the process to add their perspective to the feedback received from leading practitioners and the regional engagement in order to shape the next stages of engagement.
In the final stage of the sensemaking process before the international practitioner survey a suggestion was to include an option to combine Consult and Involve as a way to clarify the promise of each level of the Spectrum.
Final Engagement Stage – International Survey
You are invited to be part of the final engagement stage of the project. Complete the survey to tell us what you think about the four suggestions for changes to the Spectrum which are:
- Add a purpose state for the Spectrum with the Spectrum graphic.
- Clarify the description of each level of the Spectrum
- Combine the Consult and Involve to further distinguish the levels of the Spectrum.
- Move Inform from its current position to underpin the other levels of the Spectrum to reflect that Inform is a key enabler of all levels of the Spectrum
Review the feedback themes and then give your view on options for change to the IAP2 Spectrum.
English (https://iap2a.jotform.com/250422505076954)
Español (https://iap2a.jotform.com/250424953517963)
Português (https://iap2a.jotform.com/250428639960970)
Français (https://iap2a.jotform.com/250431591230951)
Update: november 2024
IAP2 Spectrum Evolution
Evolving the IAP2 Spectrum to Meet Tomorrow’s Engagement
Your chance to have a say on the Evolution of the Spectrum
The IAP2 Spectrum is more than just a tool; it’s a cornerstone of how decision makers and engagement practitioners, connect and engage with communities in their decision making. Originally developed from concepts dating back to the 1960s, the Spectrum has been a reliable guide for over 30 years. Now, as we reflect on its impact and usage, it’s evident that it’s time for an update to match the dynamic, modern world we live in.
Spectrum Development
The Spectrum was developed by Marty Rozelle, Lewis Michealson and Doug Sarno and launched in 1998. The Spectrum was designed to support decision makers and the practitioners supporting them to determine the impact the public will have on decisions.
Why Consider Evolving the Spectrum?
The IAP2 International Board is leading the project to consider evolving the Spectrum.
A lot has changed since 1998 – in our practice, the expectations of communities and our engagement purposes have expanded.
To ensure it continues to serve us well, we need to reassess and align it with today’s engagement practices, making sure it respects the diverse cultural, economic, and social landscapes across the IAP2 global regions.
The core question driving the Spectrum Evolution project is:
Does the current form of the Spectrum still serve its purpose effectively, and how can we enhance it for future use?
The project is grounded in key principles:
- Simple: Keeping it straightforward and easy to understand.
- Relevant: Ensuring it’s a practical tool for both leaders and engagement professionals.
- Strategic: Enhancing its role as a strategic asset for organisations and communities.
- Contemporary: Updating the language to reflect modern terminology and usage.
- Integrated: Strengthening its connections with other IAP2 tools.
- Integrity: Maintaining its fundamental purpose of incorporating community voices in decision-making.
- Respectful: Honouring the original foundations and the work of its creators.
Engagement Project Approach
This international engagement project has five stages. Currently we are in second stage, regional led conversations with practitioners on potential ways to develop the Spectrum.
The project is being undertaken by a small project team, led by Marion Short, Australasia Chief Executive, Chris Canning from the USA and Anne Pattillo from New Zealand.
How Can You Participate in the Spectrum Evolution Project?
Thank you for your contribution to the Spectrum conversations, we have been delighted with the quality of the feedback that so many practitioners around the world have provided.
If you listen carefully, you will hear the sound of the Spectrum Evolution project team analysing the feedback we have received and starting to create some options for development of the Spectrum.
This work will be tested and critiqued by an international committee of senior practitioners and then considered by the IAP2 Regional Chairs forum.
A summary of the feedback will be made available to members in early 2025.
What Do You Do Now
The last opportunity for IAP2 members to contribute to the Spectrum Evolution is in February and March 2025.
To ensure the voices of our diverse membership are heard, we will be asking you for your feedback via a survey register by the end of January 2025 to be part of the final feedback phase.
By participating in this evolution, you have a unique opportunity to shape a tool that has guided engagement practices worldwide for decades. Together, we can ensure it remains relevant, effective, and inclusive for years to come.
By participating in this evolution, you have a unique opportunity to shape a tool that has guided engagement practices worldwide for decades. Together, we can ensure it remains relevant, effective, and inclusive for years to come.
Update: october 2024
IAP2 Spectrum Evolution Communications
Email Communications
Social Media Posts
Update: september 2024
IAP2 Spectrum Evolution
Evolving the IAP2 Spectrum to Meet Tomorrow’s Engagement
Your chance to have a say on the Evolution of the Spectrum.
The IAP2 Spectrum is more than just a tool; it’s a cornerstone of how engagement practitioners, connect and engage with communities. Originally developed from concepts dating back to the 1960s, the Spectrum has been a reliable guide for over 30 years. Now, as we reflect on its impact and usage, it’s evident that it’s time for an update to match the dynamic, modern world we live in.
Throughout its history, the Spectrum has been adapted and used in countless ways, showcasing its flexibility and enduring relevance. However, to ensure it continues to serve us well, we need to reassess and align it with today’s engagement practices, making sure it respects the diverse cultural, economic, and social landscapes across the IAP2 global regions.
What Are We Doing?
The core question driving the Spectrum Evolution project is:
Does the current form of the Spectrum still serve its purpose effectively, and how can we enhance it for future use?
The project is grounded in key principles:
- Simple: Keeping it straightforward and easy to understand.
- Relevant: Ensuring it’s a practical tool for both leaders and engagement professionals.
- Strategic: Enhancing its role as a strategic asset for organizations and communities.
- Contemporary: Updating the language to reflect modern terminology and usage.
- Integrated: Strengthening its connections with other IAP2 tools.
- Integrity: Maintaining its fundamental purpose of incorporating community voices in decision-making.
- Respectful: Honouring the original foundations and the work of its creators.
Regional Engagement and Online Sessions for Spectrum Review
To ensure that the diverse perspectives of our membership are represented, we’ve launched a regional engagement initiative. This includes online interactive sessions, and we also encourage you to host your own local session. Regional engagement will conclude on 31 October 2024.
Interactive Spectrum Review Sessions with Anne Pattillo
Get involved in shaping the future of the Spectrum! Anne Pattillo will be facilitating several interactive webinars where you can share your thoughts on its evolution.
Don’t miss this opportunity to have your voice heard—this review may not happen again for another decade!
Upcoming dates:
- Wednesday, 2 October, 12:30pm (AEST)
- Thursday, 10 October, 12:30pm (AEDT)
- Thursday, 24 October, 1:30pm (AEDT)
Register: via the IAP2A Webinar Calendar.
Host Your Own Session
Interested in hosting a session in your community or organisation? We’ve created a comprehensive toolkit with everything you need. Contact membership@oap2.org.au to request your toolkit.
By participating in this evolution, you have a unique opportunity to shape a tool that has guided engagement practices worldwide for decades. Together, we can ensure it remains relevant, effective, and inclusive for years to come.
Social Media Post 24 September 2024
