How much do community conversations cost?

A community conversation focuses on local, grassroots experience, by engaging members of the public through existing community groups and organisations. A Community Conversation does not usually deliver specific recommendations, but it can challenge perspectives, give critical insights and provide public judgement to inform decision making. 

The simplicity of this process is that it goes to existing groups. A targeted approach means that typically less heard groups - including marginalised groups - can engage in a participatory process in a safe and comfortable space. This means participants are likely to engage more actively and honestly than in a reflective sample group. Community Conversations can reach out to community centres, faith groups, youth groups, local artist groups and more. A Community Conversation process should work with a variety of groups on the same topic. A Community Conversation approach can be particularly valuable in conflict or post-conflict societies where segregated communities continue to struggle with changes and local issues can be highly sensitive and contentious for the communities involved. 

This approach is prevalent in healthcare settings in the UK, such as the Black Country Integrated Care Board's community conversations. On a national level, The Houses of Parliament Restoration and Renewal Programme engaged with 16 groups and organisations across the UK with existing networks to carry out a Community Conversation within these. Overall, 300 people took part in the workshops representing around 600 hours of deliberation. 

So, how much do community conversations cost?

A community conversation process will cost between £30,000 - £100,000 depending on the number of groups engaged and the amount of time you spend with each of them, as well as communications and follow up.