We believe that well-designed, constructive dialogue and engagement is central to the pursuit of sustainable development. We also believe that 3KQ should be more than a successful business – it should be a force for good.
We take a collaborative approach to each project: talking, reflecting and learning with each client to understand their requirements, develop clear objectives and design a process around the needs of all involved. We will also provide challenge where necessary, to ensure our clients understand what a process can or cannot deliver and why.
We have particular experience dealing with contentious or complex issues such as biotechnology, flood risk, nuclear waste and water pollution. Whatever the issue, we approach our work with a sense of humour and goodwill, encouraging our clients and all those involved to do the same.
We are familiar with legal requirements for more formal consultation processes and with working in compliance with government guidelines.
Choosing work we do
The time, expertise and opinions of stakeholders and members of the public are valuable resources and must only be drawn upon prudently and respectfully. 3KQ therefore only undertakes projects that we consider to be serious attempts to engage people in order to inform decision-making. We ask:
Is the client or sponsor open to change?
How relevant is the engagement, given its context and scope?
Is this the best way of using limited time and resources (both for the client and others involved)?
We apply these questions as a filter for work we accept or decline, as well as using it as a framework to improve potential projects and deliver maximum value for both clients and stakeholders.
Ethics
To ensure we learn continually, 3KQ evaluates performance on each project at closure, including soliciting specific feedback from clients. We are:
We apply our expertise to bear only on the process, and do not offer advice or opinions on the content under discussion. We therefore act as impartial facilitators for engagement projects, not as participants within them. We have no vested interest in the outcome of decisions.
At all times we will be honest even when this is difficult. We will operate with uppermost integrity and financial probity so that we can be trusted in all matters, from personal confidentiality to financial management. This includes providing efficient and value-for-money processes for all involved.
We fulfil commitments made, whether these be large or small: on time, as agreed.
Environmental impact
We always aim to minimise both our direct and indirect impacts on the environment. We also seek to influence others with whom we work to minimise environmental impact. For example, where possible we:
- Favour use of email communications over paper
- Use public transport
- Use recycled paper
- Recycle waste
- Use jugs not bottled water
- Reduce unnecessary electricity consumption
- Use renewably sourced electricity