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The interactive EDGE

Use this interactive tool to assess your institution's support for public engagement.

Have a go at using the EDGE tool – drag the sliders to the statement that best describes how your institution is currently supporting public engagement. Submit your results to us and we’ll offer some top tips about what to do next. 

Part one: Purpose

Clarify your PURPOSE for engaging with the public

1
Mission
Create a shared understanding of the purpose, value, meaning and role of public engagement to staff and students and embed this in your strategy and mission.

Choose a description

Embryonic
There is little or no reference to public engagement in the organisational mission or in other institution-wide strategies
Developing
Public engagement is referenced sporadically within the institutional mission documents and strategies, but is not considered a priority area
Gripping
Public engagement is clearly referenced within the institutional mission and strategies and the institution is developing an institution-wide strategic approach
Embedding
Public engagement is prioritised in the institution's official mission and in other key strategies, with success indicators identified. It is a key consideration in strategic developments in the institution
2
Leadership
Support champions across the organisation who embrace public engagement

Choose a description

Embryonic
Few (if any) of the most influential leaders in the institution serve as champions for public engagement
Developing
Some of the institution’s senior team act as informal champions for public engagement
Gripping
Some of the institution’s senior team act as formal champions for public engagement
Embedding
The VC acts as a champion for public engagement and a senior leader takes formal responsibility. All senior leaders have an understanding of the importance and value of public engagement to the institution’s agenda
3
Communication
Communicate consistent, clear messages to validate, support and celebrate it, and ensure open and two-way communication with members of the public and community organisations

Choose a description

Embryonic
The institution’s commitment to public engagement is rarely if ever featured in internal or external communications
Developing
Public engagement occasionally features in internal and external communications
Gripping
Public engagement frequently features in internal communications, but rarely as a high profile item or with an emphasis on its strategic importance
Embedding
Public engagement appears prominently in the institution’s internal communications; its strategic importance is highlighted, and resources and strategic support have been allocated to sustain this