D5.1 NICHES Stakeholder Engagement Strategy

This report is Deliverable D5.1 ‘Stakeholder Engagement Strategy’ and outlines the NICHES strategy for engaging stakeholders across its five case study cities, in light of their key role in implementing the project. NICHES recognises the need for sensitivity to varied perceptions and preferences, cultural traditions, gender roles, access to power, and societal and political structures across the case study areas and is fully committed to achieving an inclusive participation within the multiple levels of collaboration and co-production. The strategy thus aims to provide a centralised approach and guidelines for NICHES partners to manage and engage with local stakeholders, not least through the facilitation of co-design arenas. Personal data will be processed in accordance with General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) rules, as described in the NICHES Data Management Plan (DMP). A four-step approach is outlined, including guidelines for: i) stakeholder mapping ii) design of an engagement plan, iii) preparation work and engagement pathways, iv) review and assessment of success. In order to ensure NICHES complies with the privacy policy and ethics in personal data management, the strategy also includes standardised rules for identifying, contacting and engaging with stakeholders.