The first step is to identify all the company's stakeholders, internal and external: customers, employees, suppliers, partners, investors, local stakeholders (associations, elected officials, etc.), etc.
The diversification of the actors directly or indirectly involved in the company's activity makes it possible to both broaden the “usual” framework of reflection and also to hear varied expectations and concerns.
Define the objectives of the CPP
Clarify the goals you want to achieve with the CPP. This may include improving transparency, innovation, risk management, local issues of the future, etc. Clear goals will help guide board discussions, just as they will enable informed decision-making within the company.
In addition to the objectives, it is also important to define performance indicators to assess the effectiveness of the board (attendance rate at meetings, number of actions carried out following the advice, member satisfaction rate, etc.).
To select the members of the CPP fairly
Select representatives from each stakeholder group and ensure that these members are committed, available and able to represent the interests of their group.
The selection of members must be done carefully, taking into account their legitimacy, their ability to represent a group, and their willingness to be actively involved.
Establish operating rules
Define the operating rules of the CPP: the frequency of meetings and their america cell phone number list duration, the topics covered, the role of each person, the logistics and location of the meeting, the communication of “results”, etc.
These rules must be clear and accepted by all, without reservation.
Organize and lead meetings
CPP meetings must be planned, organized and facilitated, no room for improvisation!
Before, the meeting is prepared:
The topics covered, the questions asked to the group, the exercises and the activities are chosen.
The decision-making procedures (consensus, voting, etc.) are defined.
The council is organized: president, secretary, facilitator…
On the day, you must ensure that each member has the opportunity to express themselves without judgment and that the discussions are constructive, in the service of the set objective.
The facilitator leads the debate, gives the floor and helps the group progress.
The note-taker transcribes the discussions and writes up the report.
The “time keeper” ensures that the timing is respected.
Evaluate and adjust the approach
After a few meetings, evaluate how the CPP is working by collecting feedback from members: you can then adjust the rules or objectives if necessary, while maintaining stakeholder engagement.
Continuous improvement is a key principle for an effective CPP.
To communicate on the achievements undertaken following the CPPs
The success of a Stakeholder Council depends largely on the quality of communication, both during and after meetings.
Thus, one way of “thanking” stakeholders and engaging them over the long term is to keep them informed of the actions taken following the CPPs.