This manual that accompanies the STEP Index serves as a supportive guidance to the initial release of the Excel-based Stakeholder Engagement and Participation (STEP) Index. It is targeted toward regional and local authorities using the Index as part of their work to achieve, monitor and improve successful and meaningful stakeholder engagement. This manual has been designed to provide you with the necessary background information related to the emergence and logic of the tool, a step-by-step guide on how to proceed with using the tool and how to interpret and use the results from it. The manual and the tool are open-access and can be used by various stakeholders.

 

The Stakeholder Engagement and Participation (STEP) Index: A tool for measuring involvement in just sustainability transition policies, introduced by the DUST consortium, is a user-friendly Excel-based tool designed to systematically evaluate citizen participation in just transition policies. Based on previous work of Center for the Study of Democracy (CSD) and University of Zurich (UZH), it encompasses 130 evaluation criteria, providing a structured framework to assess the quality and depth of participation. Additionally, 17 indicators offer a nuanced perspective on the effectiveness of the process, and 20 questions facilitate a systematic approach. Two evaluation matrices support users in tracking combinations between engagement strategies and selected communication channels. The application of this tool aims to assist authorities in evidence-based reporting on Territorial Just Transition Plans (TJTPs) and empower NGOs and civil society observers to monitor citizen participation effectively. 

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This deliverable has been submitted to the European Commission and is awaiting approval.