Social License and Engagement Strategies

Social license, referring to a local community’s acceptance or approval of a company’s project, is emerging as a critical factor for successful resource development projects throughout Canada.

NEXUS’ works closely with our clients to develop and maintain social capital within the context of a trust-based relationship between our client and interested stakeholders, communities or Indigenous peoples. We create project specific strategies identifying the best approaches for engagement. Early and careful characterization of the stakeholder and community landscape is essential in establishing a successful strategy to achieve social license. In order to effectively engage and build a trust relationship with communities, organizations and/or stakeholders, it is necessary for our client to be well equipped with background information on the communities/ stakeholders and issues they face. This helps to avoid complications resulting from past efforts, other resource development projects in the region and/or current socio-political issues affecting the communities.

• Conduct rigorous research and analysis to provide clients with recommendations on the best approaches and tools to use, ensuring they are appropriate for local conditions, needs and customs;
• Uses a range of approaches and tools to consider when developing a Social License or Engagement Strategy;
• In-depth evaluation of social landscape and implications associated with specific projects;
• Mediate and negotiate mutually beneficial resolution of conflicts; and,
• Prepare and negotiate Benefit and Collaboration Agreements.