Engaging with the public: A review of the practices and experience of SEI and its peers

The report evaluates how SEI and ten peer organizations engage the public on climate change, combining an internal staff survey, a peer desk study, and case studies. It finds that while SEI uses a wide range of methods—from information extraction to participatory action research—there is a need for better internal knowledge sharing and more systematic impact measurement. Peer analysis highlights the value of targeted audience segmentation, the integration of web-based tools with face-to-face relationship building, and the use of diverse media to influence policy processes.

• A survey of SEI staff revealed that engagement activities occur across a spectrum, with the most common type being 'information extraction' (27 projects), followed by 'co-learning' (20 projects), 'consultation' (15 projects), 'cooperation' (11 projects), and 'Participatory (Action) Research' (8 projects).
• SEI staff rely heavily on face-to-face engagement methods, such as workshops, interviews, and meetings, far more than passive tools like social media, websites, or press releases.
• Evaluation of engagement at SEI is inconsistent; while 58% of surveyed staff reported evaluating their projects, 35% conducted no monitoring or evaluation, despite the existence of the internal Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation and Communication (PMEC) system.
• The review of 10 peer organizations indicates that most target a 'professional, well-educated, global elite' in influential locations, with few focusing on youth, such as TERI and FANRPAN.
• The AfriCAN Climate Portal case study demonstrates that web-based platforms are most effective when they target 'information multipliers'—such as NGOs and extension officers—who then transmit knowledge to end-users like farmers.
• The BBC Media Action’s Climate Asia project, which surveyed over 33,500 people across seven countries, found that there is no 'one size fits all' communication product, requiring careful audience segmentation and targeted narratives.
• A central lesson for SEI is that web-based tools are valuable for accessibility and visual appeal but are insufficient on their own; they must be integrated into a broader suite of channels, including face-to-face engagement to build trust.
• Effective research impact measurement requires a combination of quantitative data (e.g., page views and downloads) to show reach and qualitative narratives to understand how information is actually applied.
• The report argues that researchers must distinguish between different stages of the policy process and recognize that scientific knowledge is only one of many factors influencing policy outcomes, particularly regarding implementation.

APA

West, S., Taylor, A., Dyke, A., & Rudnicki, R. (n.d.). Engaging with the public: A review of the practices and experience of SEI and its peers. Stockholm Environment Institute. https://www.sei.org/mediamanager/documents/Publications/SEI-2014-Public-engagement-review.pdf

Chicago

West, Sarah, Anna Taylor, Alison Dyke, and Radek Rudnicki. Engaging with the public: A review of the practices and experience of SEI and its peers. Stockholm Environment Institute, n.d. https://www.sei.org/mediamanager/documents/Publications/SEI-2014-Public-engagement-review.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=West |first1=Sarah |last2=Taylor |first2=Anna |last3=Dyke |first3=Alison |last4=Rudnicki |first4=Radek |title=Engaging with the public: A review of the practices and experience of SEI and its peers |publisher=Stockholm Environment Institute |url=https://www.sei.org/mediamanager/documents/Publications/SEI-2014-Public-engagement-review.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{westndengaging, author = {West, Sarah and Taylor, Anna and Dyke, Alison and Rudnicki, Radek}, title = {{Engaging with the public: A review of the practices and experience of SEI and its peers}}, institution = {Stockholm Environment Institute}, url = {https://www.sei.org/mediamanager/documents/Publications/SEI-2014-Public-engagement-review.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }