(Intermediate) Introduction to Digital Engagement

A person smiling and waving during a video call on a laptop

1 day

Duration

£295+VAT

Public · per delegate

POA

In-house

30 CPD

Credits

Fig. 01 · Engaging online

01Overview

Digital is not a shortcut. Done well, it widens who you hear from.

Digital channels have transformed how organisations consult and engage, but the choice of tools is bewildering, and a poorly chosen platform can exclude the very people you most need to reach.

This practical introduction cuts through the noise. You will learn how the main categories of digital tool work, how to match a method to your audience and purpose, and how to blend online and offline so that digital broadens participation rather than narrowing it.

Grounded in real examples, the session gives you a clear framework for planning, running and evaluating digital engagement with confidence.

02Learning outcomes

What you'll take away

By the end of the workshop, delegates will be able to plan and run digital engagement that widens participation in practice.

01Recognise the main categories of digital engagement tool and what each is for

02Match a digital method to your audience, purpose and stage of engagement

03Blend online and offline channels so digital widens rather than narrows reach

04Avoid the digital divide and design for accessibility from the outset

05Promote a digital exercise and drive genuine participation

06Analyse and make sense of the data a digital exercise produces

03The day

Four sessions

A full day of practical instruction, live tool demos and open discussion.

09:30The digital toolkitThe main categories of tool: surveys, mapping, forums, social, and what each does well.

11:00Choosing the right methodMatching tools to audience and purpose, and avoiding the digital divide.

13:30Running & promoting itDriving participation, moderating well and keeping momentum going.

15:00Making sense of the dataAnalysing digital responses and turning them into useful insight.

04Who it's for

New to digital? Start here.

For anyone who plans or runs consultation and wants to use digital channels well, no technical background needed.

Consultation & engagement officers

Communications & digital teams

Policy & strategy leads

Community & stakeholder managers

Anyone new to digital engagement

Advanced Advanced digital engagement Going further with online tools and data once you've mastered the basics. View course → Intermediate Reaching seldom-heard groups Inclusive methods that work alongside your digital channels. View course → Foundation Analysing consultation responses Turning the data you gather into evidence that informs decisions. View course →

06Before you book

Common questions

Anything not covered here, ask us. We answer the same day.

01How many CPD points do I earn?Thirty tCI CPD points. Every virtual and face-to-face course carries 30, and points are logged against your record when you attend. Members can download a CPD statement from the membership portal at any time, and this course counts towards the taught element of a tCI qualification.

02Is it virtual or face-to-face?Open places run as a live virtual workshop, delivered in real time by a tCI trainer, never a recording. Groups stay small enough that everyone can speak, and you work in breakouts as well as listening. The same course runs face-to-face at your own offices as an in-house session.

03How long is the course?One full day, 09:30 to 16:30, in four sessions with breaks between each, opening with ‘The digital toolkit’ and closing with ‘Making sense of the data’. The day is built around practical exercises rather than presentation, so you leave having worked on digital engagement rather than only having heard about it.

04Can you run this in-house for our team?Yes, and it is the usual choice for teams of six or more. In-house delivery works from your sector and the consultations you have in front of you, so the digital engagement exercises use your own material. We can run it in person or virtually, and split it across two half-days where a full day is hard to protect. Ask us about bespoke for a quote.

05Do I need prior experience or other courses first?No prior course is required. It is pitched at intermediate level, so it suits people who have run or commissioned engagement already. Newer practitioners do well on it too. You will simply cover some foundational ground faster than others in the room.

06Who delivers the course?A tCI trainer who specialises in digital engagement and works in it, not only teaches it. The named trainer for each date is shown on the course calendar and confirmed in your joining instructions the week before. You can put live problems to them on the day and expect a straight answer.

Bring this workshop in-house for your whole team

The same course, reworked around the consultations your team is running.

Book this course → Enquire about bespoke