In an increasingly scrutinized public sphere, securing Building Public Trust and Social License for PPPs is no longer a peripheral concern but a fundamental imperative for the successful and sustainable delivery of Public-Private Partnerships. Without genuine public acceptance and a strong social license to operate, even the most technically sound and financially viable PPP projects can face significant delays, opposition, and ultimately, failure, undermining their intended public benefits. This specialized discipline focuses on proactive strategies to foster transparency, ensure accountability, engage communities meaningfully, and communicate value effectively, thereby building confidence among citizens and stakeholders. This comprehensive training course is meticulously designed to equip public sector officials, private sector developers, communication specialists, and project managers with the essential knowledge and practical tools to understand public perceptions, address concerns, and systematically cultivate the trust and social legitimacy required for PPP projects to thrive and deliver long-term public value. Without prioritizing Building Public Trust and Social License for PPPs, organizations risk project rejection, reputational damage, and a failure to realize the full potential of public-private collaboration, underscoring the vital need for specialized expertise in this critical domain.

Duration: 10 Days

Target Audience

• Public Sector PPP Unit Members
• Government Communication and Public Relations Professionals
• Private Sector Project Developers and Community Relations Managers
• Project Managers and Directors in PPPs
• Civil Society Organization Representatives
• Infrastructure Planners and Policymakers
• Legal and Financial Advisors in PPPs
• Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Specialists
• Consultants specializing in public affairs and social performance
• Anyone involved in public-facing aspects of PPP projects

Objectives

• Understand the fundamental concepts of public trust and social license in the context of PPPs.
• Learn about factors that influence public perception of PPP projects.
• Acquire skills in conducting public perception assessments and stakeholder analysis.
• Comprehend techniques for developing comprehensive communication strategies for PPPs.
• Explore strategies for ensuring transparency and accountability in PPP processes.
• Understand the importance of meaningful public consultation and participation.
• Gain insights into addressing public concerns and managing opposition effectively.
• Develop a practical understanding of ethical considerations in PPP engagement.
• Master reporting and communicating the value for money (VfM) and public benefits of PPPs.
• Acquire skills in leveraging digital and social media for public engagement.
• Learn to apply international best practices and guidelines for building trust.
• Comprehend techniques for managing crises and reputational risks in PPPs.
• Explore strategies for ensuring social inclusion and equitable outcomes from PPPs.
• Understand the importance of building long-term relationships with communities.
• Develop the ability to proactively cultivate and maintain social license for PPP projects.

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Public Trust and Social License

• Defining public trust and social license to operate (SLO) in the context of PPPs.
• Why public trust is essential for PPP project viability and sustainability.
• The consequences of lacking social license (e.g., protests, delays, project failure).
• Key drivers of public perception and acceptance of infrastructure projects.
• Overview of the "social contract" in PPPs.

Module 2: Factors Influencing Public Perception of PPPs

• Historical context and past experiences with privatization.
• Perceived fairness of risk allocation and profit motives.
• Transparency levels in procurement and contract management.
• Quality and affordability of services delivered.
• Environmental and social impacts of projects.

Module 3: Assessing Public Perception and Stakeholder Analysis

• Methodologies for gauging public opinion (surveys, focus groups, media analysis).
• Identifying key opinion leaders and influencers.
• Advanced stakeholder mapping: power, interest, legitimacy, urgency.
• Understanding the concerns and aspirations of different community segments.
• Using data to inform engagement strategies.

Module 4: Developing a Strategic Communication Plan for PPPs

• Components of a comprehensive communication plan for building trust.
• Defining clear communication objectives and target audiences.
• Crafting compelling messages about PPP benefits and rationale.
• Selecting appropriate communication channels (traditional media, digital, community forums).
• Establishing a communication timeline integrated with project milestones.

Module 5: Transparency and Public Disclosure in PPPs

• Importance of proactive disclosure of project information.
• What information should be disclosed (contracts, financial models, performance data).
• Mechanisms for public access to information (websites, public registries).
• Balancing transparency with commercial confidentiality.
• International standards for PPP disclosure.

Module 6: Meaningful Public Consultation and Participation

• Differentiating between information sharing, consultation, and participation.
• Designing inclusive and accessible consultation processes.
• Techniques for facilitating productive public meetings and workshops.
• Documenting and responding to public feedback.
• Engaging vulnerable and marginalized groups.

Module 7: Communicating Value for Money (VfM) and Public Benefits

• Translating complex VfM analysis into understandable terms for the public.
• Highlighting the long-term benefits of PPPs (e.g., improved services, innovation, risk transfer).
• Using clear language, visuals, and relatable examples.
• Addressing common criticisms about PPP profitability.
• Demonstrating accountability for public funds.

Module 8: Managing Public Expectations and Addressing Concerns

• Setting realistic expectations about project timelines, costs, and benefits.
• Proactive identification and addressing of potential public concerns.
• Developing a robust grievance redress mechanism (GRM).
• Strategies for de-escalating public opposition and protests.
• Building a responsive and empathetic project team.

Module 9: Ethical Considerations and Anti-Corruption in PPP Engagement

• Importance of ethical conduct in all public-private interactions.
• Preventing conflicts of interest and undue influence.
• Promoting integrity and fair dealing throughout the PPP lifecycle.
• Adherence to anti-corruption policies and laws.
• Building a culture of trust and honesty.

Module 10: Digital and Social Media for Public Engagement

• Leveraging online platforms for information dissemination and dialogue.
• Using social media for public awareness campaigns and real-time updates.
• Managing online reputation and responding to digital feedback.
• Monitoring social media sentiment about PPP projects.
• Challenges and opportunities of digital engagement.

Module 11: Crisis Communication and Reputational Risk Management

• Identifying potential crisis scenarios in PPP projects.
• Developing a crisis communication plan.
• Rapid response strategies for negative media or public backlash.
• Protecting the reputation of the public agency and private partners.
• Learning from past communication failures.

Module 12: Ensuring Social Inclusion and Equitable Outcomes

• Assessing the social impacts of PPP projects on different community segments.
• Designing projects that promote equitable access to services.
• Strategies for local content development and job creation.
• Addressing potential displacement and livelihood impacts.
• Measuring and reporting on social outcomes.

Module 13: Building Long-Term Relationships and Trust

• Fostering a collaborative and transparent relationship between public and private partners.
• Continuous engagement beyond the initial consultation phase.
• Establishing formal and informal channels for dialogue.
• Demonstrating responsiveness to community needs and feedback.
• The role of project leadership in building trust.

Module 14: International Best Practices and Guidelines for Trust Building

• Review of guidelines from World Bank, UN, OECD, etc., on public engagement in PPPs.
• Case studies of successful trust-building initiatives in complex infrastructure projects.
• Lessons learned from international experiences.
• Adapting global best practices to local contexts.
• The role of independent oversight in fostering trust.

Module 15: Measuring and Sustaining Social License

• Developing indicators for measuring public trust and social license.
• Regular monitoring of public perception.
• Integrating social license considerations into project performance reviews.
• Strategies for maintaining social license throughout the project lifecycle.
• The long-term value of a strong social license for future PPP programs.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training.