Social licence to operate (SLO) is an essential component of an organisation’s activities. SLO refers to the informal approval given to companies by host individuals and communities. Without SLO, projects may encounter public opposition, adverse publicity and costly delays.
Maintaining SLO brings improved relationships with stakeholders, wider reputational benefits and minimises project risk. Securing SLO is therefore fundamental for organisations working in the energy transition where major socio-economic changes require sustained support and co-operation from multiple stakeholders.
This two-day masterclass will assist those working in the energy transition to identify, build and sustain SLO in their fields of responsibility. Through case studies, group work and interactive discussions, participants will gain a detailed understanding of how SLO impacts public and private sector activities.
The importance of active and ongoing engagement with relevant stakeholders will be examined, along with examples of participatory approaches. Developing and supporting community partnerships will be discussed, including the implementation and management of community benefit schemes.
Participants will gain experience in negotiating and co-designing frameworks for SLO based on a detailed real world case study.
About the facilitators
Dr Julian Clifton
Dr Julian Clifton is a geographer with twenty years of experience in academic research and teaching in Australia, south-east Asia and the UK. His extensive research into governance, policy-making and stakeholder management in development and resource management from across the world has resulted in over 60 articles being published in leading academic journals. This reflects a wide range of collaborations with federal and state governments, public sector bodies and non-profit organisations to deliver good business practices based on positive stakeholder relations. Julian is Senior Research Fellow at the Curtin Institute for Energy Transition and is working with domestic and international organisations to promote a just transition to low carbon and renewable energy.
Professor Peta Ashworth
Professor Peta Ashworth OAM is the Director of the Institute for Energy Transition at Curtin University and her previous roles include a Chair in Sustainable Energy Futures at Queensland University and a member of the CSIRO Hydrogen Mission Advisory Board. Professor Ashworth is a world leader in researching public attitudes to energy technologies including carbon capture, utilisation and storage, wind energy, solar, geothermal and hydrogen. She promotes energy literacy worldwide and regularly contributes to public information events, policy briefings and energy communication strategies. Professor Ashworth has published numerous journal articles, industry reports and other public output in various fields including stakeholder engagement and energy technology.