Practical tools

Part 1.2 Attributes

on this page
  1. Introduction
  2. The Attributes
  3. Reflective exercise

Part 1.2 of the PEP Capabilities Framework looks at attributes: the personal qualities and behaviours that underpin effective public engagement practice. 

updated on 08 Sep 2026
3 minutes read

Introduction

Attributes influence how you build relationships, create trust, respond to challenges, navigate complexity and work with others. 

While they are often less visible than project outputs or measurable outcomes, they are fundamental to inclusive, ethical and impactful engagement.

The Attributes

Read through the list of attributes and highlight those that you feel are evident in your practice. 

It's important to note that you do not need to identify with every attribute. The aim is to recognise the strengths you already bring to your work, including those that may be less visible or formally acknowledged. You may also identify attributes that you would like to strengthen as part of your professional development.

If you would like in-depth guidance for this section, please see the reflective exercise at the bottom of this page.

Empathy

Understanding and valuing the perspectives, experiences and needs of others.

Inclusivity

Actively creating opportunities for diverse people and perspectives to participate and contribute.

Curiosity

Being open to new ideas, experiences and ways of thinking, and seeking to learn from others.

Authenticity

Building trust by being genuine, transparent and true to your values.

Kindness and Compassion

Approaching people with care, respect and understanding, particularly during challenging situations.

Presence and Attentiveness

Listening actively, being fully engaged and giving people your attention.

Dependability

Following through on commitments and being someone others can rely on.

Pragmatism

Balancing ambition with realism to find workable and effective solutions.

Boundary-setting

Setting, communicating and maintaining clear expectations, limits and responsibilities in ways that support effective relationships, ethical practice and wellbeing.

Self-awareness

Understanding your own strengths, biases, limitations and impact on others.

Reflectiveness

Taking time to learn from experience, consider different perspectives, and use insights to improve future practice.

Adaptability

Adjusting your approach in response to changing circumstances, emerging opportunities, or the needs of different people and communities.

Relational awareness

Recognising and responding thoughtfully to relationships, power dynamics, emotions and group interactions to support inclusive and effective engagement.

Encouragement and appreciation

Valuing the contributions of others, recognising their strengths, and creating an environment where people feel supported, confident and motivated to participate.

Reflective exercise

  1. Read through each attribute and its definition. Consider how relevant it is to your role and approach to public engagement.
  2. Highlight the attributes that resonate with you. Focus on those you feel are most evident in your day-to-day practice.
  3. Think of examples from your work. For each attribute, note situations, projects or relationships where you demonstrate it in practice.
  4. Identify your key strengths. Which attributes contribute most to your effectiveness as a public engagement professional?
  5. Reflect on your role. Consider which aspects of your work rely most heavily on particular attributes and why.
  6. Spot development opportunities. Are there any attributes you would like to strengthen or develop further?
  7. Look for themes. Consider whether certain attributes appear repeatedly across different areas of your work and what this tells you about your professional practice.

Continue exploring the framework

Go back to the main page or move onto part 2.1.