Social license to operate (SLO) refers to the informal approval given by host individuals or communities with respect to the activities of an external organisation. Securing an SLO can significantly influence the profitability of a business enterprise. It is critical for building community support for commercial activities, regional planning and development, investment in infrastructure and a wide range of other public and private sector areas. Maintaining an SLO brings reputational benefits, better co-operation with stakeholders and economic stability over the long term.
The varied socio-economic changes associated with the energy transition necessitate the active support and co-operation of multiple stakeholders, hence securing an SLO for all of these changes is essential. However, the often unpredictable and dynamic nature of SLO and its variability across different stakeholder groups presents significant challenges.
This one-day Masterclass organised by the Curtin Institute for Energy Transition will assist those working in the energy transition to identify, secure and maintain an SLO in their areas of interest.
Participants will gain a detailed understanding of how the concept of SLO is defined and how this can impact multiple areas of public and private sector activity within the energy transition. The importance of active and ongoing engagement with relevant stakeholders will be identified, along with real-world examples of successful participatory approaches. Developing and supporting partnerships with stakeholders and communities will be examined, including the implementation and management of community benefit schemes.
Securing a lasting and durable SLO will be discussed through measuring SLO impact and discussing adaptive approaches to maintaining SLO. Participants will be able to construct and share frameworks for building SLO in their own areas of responsibility.
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.