This publication sets out Scottish Government’s overarching framework for engaging the people of Scotland in meeting the challenges of a changing climate and biodiversity loss.
Within the Scottish Government, the Public Engagment Strategy (PES) sets the approach to national, regional and local engagement with the public in support of climate and nature policy pathways set out in the following core strategies:
The PES will serve to support coherence across engagement activity relating to these strategies, and their future iterations, as well as facilitate better integration of climate and nature in public engagement activities led by other sectors and policy areas (such as Health, Education, Economy, Culture and Sport).
The PES is also a guide for public engagement by public, private, third sector and community organisations to engage their own audiences on climate and nature.
Effective public engagement depends on working with ‘trusted messengers’ – the organisations, networks and community groups that have established, trusted relationships with specific audiences. These include public sector bodies, local authorities, community and voluntary organisations, faith groups, youth organisations, businesses, trade unions, professional bodies and environmental organisations, as well as community leaders and informal networks.