SenateSHJ has revealed a new report, "Five Conditions for Social Licence", exploring how organisations can facilitate energy transition by building community trust and acceptance. The report also provides communications guidance to help projects secure social licence.
The research highlights that successful energy transition relies on securing 'social licence', community approval for infrastructure developments on their land. SenateSHJ identifies five conditions for securing this: communities must understand the project’s necessity, volunteer their site or accept the proposed location, believe benefits outweigh perceived risks, co-create solutions, and trust developers and regulators.
Bronwyn Raso, Head of Engagement at SenateSHJ, commented, “Without genuine stakeholder engagement, even the best-designed projects risk delays, opposition, and reputational damage.”
The framework can also guide other community-focused projects, including healthcare, housing, and transport, helping leaders build trust and long-term partnerships.