Training harmonisation and learning pathway project

Here is a quick update and progress report from the Global Practice Development Committee (GPDC). While things have been on a 'pause' over the last few months there has been plenty going on in the background.

• Harmonisation Project
• GPDC Remit and Structure
• Trainer Transitions

Harmonisation Project Update

The final feedback from all the regions on the IAP2 Way and the Global Learning Pathway has now been received and is being considered by the International Board. The feedback has largely been positive, and we are very close to moving forward to our next steps. Among the feedback we've received from regions is the need for a progressive roll out. Rather than rolling out all of the courses at once, a staged approach will be used with some flexibility for regions to implement their own timeframes within guidelines.

Watch this space for more information on the pilots and content review process and timelines.

GPDC Remit and Structure

The GPDC has taken the opportunity after many months of work to review our remit and structure. Both are large and are being reviewed in order to streamline and ensure we continue to focus on the right things, and have the right membership and structure to achieve our short- and long-term goals.

Trainer Transitions

Trainer Transitions is the process that existing trainers will complete to be able to deliver the new courses once they are launched. The International Board has consulted with Trainers to review and refine the proposed process which has been refined based on the feedback. A finalized process will be released shortly so that current trainers can begin planning time to learn the new content and prepare for delivery later this year.

Trainer licensing refers to the process we will need to recruit and induct new trainers to the IAP2 faculty. An RFP is being reviewed for a consultant to independently review and build a process that will work for the needs of the different regions and candidates.

2020 Engagement Survey Results

Thank you to everyone who responded to our 2020 year in review survey. We received 17 responses to our survey with equal representation from Australasia, Canada, and the US. We would love to hear from other regions! Click here if you would still like to complete the survey. The key themes you raised are summarized below.

What we heard:

• Email and Let’s Talk are the primary tools respondents use for receiving information.
• The frequency of GPDC communications is just right for most respondents, although some noted that communications from all IAP2 sources combined can be overwhelming.
• Content could be easier to navigate on Let’s Talk, perhaps in a newsletter format, so people can easily find the latest updates.
• There is a continued desire for updates on and summaries of past engagement including how input was used.
• There is a need for an updated project schedule and an indication of where we are in the harmonisation process.
• Respondents appreciate the opportunities to talk in real time and to participate in focus groups.

Based on this information, we commit to:

• Continuing the current monthly frequency of GPDC updates, with occasional extra communication when necessary. We will be conscious of the need to be timely and relevant so as not to contribute to information overload.
• Flagging GPDC updates as GPDC Newsletter to make them easier to find on Let’s Talk.
• Providing an updated project schedule (see below for the first installment).
• Watching for opportunities to join together in real time for project information and focus groups.

Harmonisation Project Update and Schedule

The IAP2 Way and Global Learning Pathway recommendations are currently with the International Board for vetting with the Regional Boards and approval. This is a complex process with many stakeholders around the world. The International Board will have an update on any additional approval processes and timing in February.

Once the IAP2 Way and Global Learning Pathway are approved, we will provide the finalized materials, including an engagement summary, on Let’s Talk. At that time, GPDC will be able to update the overall project schedule and timelines. As next steps, the project consultants will use the final IAP2 Way and Global Learning Pathway to develop the detailed curriculum.

Once upon a time. . . there was an association with brilliant materials to share around the world that needed to be updated and harmonized throughout the organization.

Our quest

To refine our global curriculum to meet member needs, honor decades of learning as well as how our field has evolved, create a tent large enough to welcome professionals and organisations with a variety of P2 interests and backgrounds. A new curriculum will:

• meet current challenges for quality P2/engagement (digital expectations and realities; community-led engagement processes; new understanding of need for emphasis on equity and inclusion);

• broaden IAP2’s reach and offerings to better address the needs of the marketplace;

• ensure our organization remains dynamic; and

• provide opportunities for sustainable revenue that will serve as a backbone for other programs in each region.

Here are some highlights of the conversations that we’ve had and how they have influenced where we are:

Our 2020 Deliverables

The consultant team kicked off the project with a thorough review of existing materials and feedback from past participants. At the same time, the Global Practice Development Committee built infrastructure for ongoing engagement with regions, trainers, and other critical friends.

• Core competency framework. Thanks to feedback, DEI has been added as a new and separate core competency that is woven throughout the new curriculum. (Click here to read how input was used in the final competency framework.)

• Global Learning Pathway. Past training participants asked for choice and flexibility to acknowledge the varied paths that P2 professionals follow. The new pathway is intentional in offering levels of learning and a choice in program areas, so that learning can be tailored to the needs of members. (After the initial consultation, a revised learning pathway is being reviewed by the International Board. (Click here to access earlier versions of the pathway that were used for consultation.)

• IAP2 Way. These foundational materials are the essence of who we are and what we stand for. These elements (definitions, foundations, practice framework, profiles of engagement model) complement each other and bring together the best of global practice. We heard loud and clear that our practice is about people, which resulted in the addition of a fourth Foundation that P2/engagement is relationship focused. The IAP2 Way has been reviewed in consultations across the globe, a revised version will be the subject of an upcoming summit of IAP2 board members from each region. (Click here to access the first-round drafts of the IAP2 Way.)

• Trainer Transition Process. The International Board has been collaborating with trainers to identify the principles and process for transitioning to the new curriculum. Everyone is committed to developing a process that supports our trainers to be ready and be part of a smooth transition. Trainers have shared the importance of having a streamlined process that sets everyone up for success.

And some bumps we’ve encountered along the way

• COVID-19. A global pandemic interrupted our efforts and inspired an immediate pivot to digital delivery as regions have refocused their energies on crisis management.

• IAP2’s evolving governance structure. As an international body undergoing a major shift in governance, there is more work to be done to understand the appropriate level of consistent consultation and inclusion across regions and a decision making process which is both appropriate and responsive.

• Consistency and Regional flexibility. We continue to discuss the best ways to maintain flexibility for regional adaptation while maintaining consistency in our materials.

The next steps in our journey

In 2021, we look forward to:

• Signing off on the IAP2 Way and the Global Learning Pathway

• Developing and piloting new programs,

• Transitioning current trainers to delivery of the new materials,

• Developing a process to license new trainers, and

• Collaborating with regions on the roll out of the new curriculum

How are we doing?

As we prepare for 2021, we are reflecting on our engagement efforts throughout the year. (We have summarized our efforts above and in more detail here.) In the spirit of continuous improvement, we’d like to ask you how we can do better. Please take a few moments to respond to this survey to help shape our efforts in the New Year.

Regional boards and key stakeholders have been reviewing the updated IAP2 Way. These materials reflect the ongoing harmonisation of the training curriculum and feedback from critical friends during the IAP2 Way conversations from a few months ago. Whilst regions deliberate on The IAP2 Way, the International board plans to engage trainers on what licensing agreements and anticipated logistics might look like once harmonization is complete. Also, we've decided to delay scheduling any Pilot Trainings until we reach alignment with all regions on The IAP2 Way.

As IAP2 seeks greater diversity, gains a presence in emerging regions, and faces the challenges of virtual participation, the definition of who we are should be inclusive of all modes of participation: traditional, historical, emerging as well as formal and informal, that shape the public sphere. We want to explore how we can acknowledge and work with both concepts because they're both used across our global community and represent an important and defining aspect of our international practice.

To read more from IAP2, keep reading for an update from Kylie Cochrane:

October 2020

Dear IAP2 members,

On behalf of the IAP2 International Board I wanted to share the latest on our shared change journey.

Ensuring strong regions and strong international

Formally launched in Denver in 2018, the IAP2 Change Process produced a number of goals intended to build strong regions and a strong international body. One of the most significant changes was the transfer of training licensing fees from International to the regional bodies from 2020. This was deliberately done to ensure regions had a sustainable revenue stream. The COVID pandemic has been a financial setback for trainers and the regional bodies but we're now seeing renewed demand for IAP2 training. Thanks to the regional bodies for taking the initial steps in the organizational change process and sharing membership fees with International.

Harmonised training

To ensure the consistency and quality of IAP2's expanding body of expertise, the Global Practice Development Committee, or GPDC, is leading the ‘harmonization’ of our two foundational training curricula: The Foundations in Public Participation and Australasia Certificate in Engagement programs. Harmonizing these unique but interrelated bodies of practice is another important goal that came out of Denver. Our aim is to roll out this harmonised training in 2021.

Advocacy and Emerging Practice

Our Advocacy and Emerging Practice Committee (AEP) initiated the creation of a new process for forming and supporting emerging regional bodies. The new guidelines ensure a strong, sustainable and incremental process with checks and balances, and appropriate support from International. The recently launched IAP2 Latin America, or IAP2 LATAM, is a product of the new process. One of their recent webinars drew 70+ participants from 16 countries. Congratulations to our IAP2 Latin American family!

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

In response to member concerns regarding cultural awareness and sensitivity within IAP2, the International Board commissioned an audit of our Association's practices concerning Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The six-month audit was conducted by Bonding Change, a Canadian-based consultancy. Recommendations from both the audit and U.S. board members included the establishment of a DEI Task Force. Launched on October 1, 2020, this task force includes a representative from each region. It is responsible for ensuring the integration of DEI into all facets of IAP2 business.

2020 North American Conference

I want to congratulate IAP2 Canada and IAP2 USA for the remarkable job they did with the North American Conference held virtually in September. The Conference organizing team did a superb job delivering a rich, relevant, comprehensive, and interactive program to a large virtual audience. Thank you for ensuring that IAP2 continues to live up to its reputation as a creative, smart, and innovative organization that tackles challenges like COVID-19 with a 'can-do' attitude. Well done North America! You've inspired the rest of us.

Ending with thank yous… Over the past two and a half years, regions, trainers, members and contract consultants have contributed thousands of hours in support of transformational change across our Association. We would also like to acknowledge all volunteers, trainers and staff on the Global Practice Development Committee (GPDC) and thank them for the huge amount of time and energy they are investing in our training harmonisation project. We want to pause and thank each of you for the expertise, passion and energy you bring to IAP2 and thank you for your ongoing support.

Stay safe and keep engaging.

Regards,

Kylie Cochrane

IAP2 International Chair

This consultation has now closed. Thank you for your contributions. Feedback has been compiled and analysed and is being reviewed by IAP2 decision makers to guide the next steps of developing the Global Learning Program.

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It's time for the next big step in developing our global learning pathway: the draft curriculum is ready for your review!

As the IAP2 Global Learning Program is being developed, we welcome you to provide your input about the Learning Pathway (showing how courses are arranged over the five Program Areas and three levels of learning) and Curriculum Design Maps (which unpack competencies and outline learning and delivery strategies for each of the courses at the Emerging Level).

This consultation is about:

• Determining learner progression through the learning pathway
• Ensuring a globally relevant and culturally inclusive curriculum
• Testing market demand for the proposed courses and learner progression

PLEASE NOTE
As the draft Curriculum Design Maps provide significant detail of the proposed curriculum, IAP2’s commercial interests must be protected through the completion of Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) by all participants before accessing the Curriculum Design Maps. Click here to review and complete the Non-Disclosure Agreement.

How to participate:

1. Complete the Non-Disclosure Agreement to access all consultation materials.
   
   
2. Attend an OPTIONAL briefing session. Email gpdc@iap2.org to rsvp and receive a zoom link for either:
   1. Thursday September 24 from 6.00 – 7.30PM EDT / Friday September 25 from 8.00 – 9.30am AEST
   2. Wednesday October 7 from 4.00 – 5.30PM EDT / Thursday October 8 from 6.00 – 7.30am AEST
      
      
3. Click here to view the Consultation Pack which includes a quick review of the background and context to how we have reached this stage in the project, an overview of the learning pathway and the proposed courses for each level, mapping of existing courses to the proposed new courses and recommended delivery modes for each new course (e.g online, in person, self-paced). Personas illustrating a range of learners with differing experiences and learning needs is offered to help inform your considerations.
   
   
4. Click here to complete the survey which has two parts. Part 1 focuses on the Learning Pathway, the range of courses and the levels of attainment. Part 2 focuses on the details of each course at the Emerging Level. This phase of the project comprises a substantial amount of highly detailed content so we welcome whatever feedback you can give, even if it is only on a single course where you have interest and/or experience. You can come back to your survey responses and add or change your responses if you choose.
   
   
5. Attend an OPTIONAL open space discussion to discuss the learning pathway and curriculum with peers. Complete this expression of interest form to be included.

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This consultation has now closed. Thank you for your contributions. Feedback has been compiled and analysed and is being reviewed by IAP2 decision makers to guide the next steps of developing the Global Learning Program.

This consultation has closed. Feedback has been collated and analysed for consideration by regional Boards.

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As the new IAP2 global curriculum is being developed, we invited you to give feedback on the core models that make up "The IAP2 Way”.

Defining these guiding principles is critical for the development of the harmonized training to “build on the best of the past and grow for the future of the practice”.

We presented 13 courses to support the professional development of the practice. All materials are part of our principle of “building on the best of the past”.

“The IAP2 Way” refers to the models, definitions and approaches that underpin these courses and makes us who we are.

We created some materials support the conversation about the guiding principles that should underpin the content for our new global IAP2 curriculum. You can still access these here if you would like to read and listen to background information about the current models and principles of IAP2, especially the models that you might not already be familiar with.

At a recent series of focus groups we guided participants through the following topics with the following aims:

• Honour and acknowledge all of the core models that form the essence of "The IAP2 Way” to date;
• Engage in a collaborative conversation to identify the challenges or tensions that may exist between these models; and
• Gather insights and ideas about growing for the future of the practice, identifying the essence of "The IAP2 Way" to move us forward in global curriculum development.

Please click here to view the pdf version of the presentation used in the Focus Groups.

Stakeholder engagement for the IAP2 Way has now closed. Feedback has been collated and analysed for consideration by regional Boards.

This consultation has closed. You can view the Summary of the Engagement Outcomes report here.

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Following the development of the Draft Competencies Framework and the review of the existing courses and participant feedback, we have developed the draft Integrated Learning Pathway. The IAP2 Integrated Learning Pathway shows the journey someone might take in progressively developing skills and knowledge in engagement and public participation. It maps learning opportunities across three levels: Emerging, Developing and Advanced.

Stakeholder engagement for the Integrated Learning Pathway has now closed and you can access the Summary of the Engagement Outcomes report here and in the Documents section on this page. Further development of the Integrated Learning Pathway will use feedback from the stakeholder engagement and be presented when the course structure for the Emerging Level is finalised.

We’re currently on the hunt for volunteers to become "Critical Friends" of the project.

Read more and apply here: Critical Friends Expression of Interest (open indefinitely over the course of the project).

We know how critical our training programs are to you, our members, trainers and practitioners. We’re looking to you for your insights, experiences, wisdom and expertise as we create this new learning pathway curriculum to grow the practice around the globe.

IAP2 is known for world-class training: we want to take that a step further and deliver a global platform of courses that builds the skills and knowledge we need to continue to excel in this important work.

In addition to the Critical Friends group, there are many other opportunities to contribute to this project: see them outlined in the Communications and Engagement Activities table.

This consultation has closed. Two reports are available from the latest round of reviews: one summary and one addressing specific feedback.

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The Integrated Learning Pathway is supported by the underpinning Competency Framework (the roots that ground our work). Over time, this becomes a consistent framework to inform ALL of IAP2’s curriculum, products and programs.

The Competency Framework outlines for the engagement/P2 practitioner:

• What do you need to KNOW? (Knowledge)
• What do you need to DO? (Skills)
• How do you need to BE? (Ways of Being)

Stakeholder engagement for the draft Competency Framework has now closed. Two rounds of feedback have been collated and analysed for consideration in finalising the Competency Framework. Two reports from round 2 are now are available: one summary and one addressing specific feedback. Thank you to all who were involved.

The latest draft Competency Framework can be accessed here