Vivien Twyford
Internationally recognised expert in engaging stakeholders in robust decision-making
BA GradDipCom, FAICD
Vivien's perspective:
"With the practical and theorectical experience I have gained over many years in the field my approach is to work with decision-makers to understand how they make their decisions and how their stakeholders, including the broader community, can support those decisions. Engaging stakeholders does not mean giving up our responsibility as leaders to make wise judgements. It does mean recognising that some decisions can be better informed when we are open to listening to those affected. Transperancy means accountability. It also means providing a sense of ownership to people who will have a role in the implementation.
As President of the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) in 2004 I worked hard to strengthen the Association and improve international understanding of what public participation means and how it can best support decision makers. I really enjoy working with organisations to promote the benefits of engaging stakeholders in decision-making and to support them in better practice.
I delivered the IAP2 Certificate Course in Public Participation from 2002-2010 and was one of nine Master Trainers from 2004-2009. My training work gave me a genuine understanding of the theory and practice of engagement. I enjoy using this approach when working with clients ranging from local government to the United Nations."
Professional Memberships
International Association for Public Participation (IAP2).
Consultancy Experience
Vivien founded and has managed Twyfords since 1988. She now shares the role with her three partners.
Public Participation
Developing a personal specialty in the area of public participation, Vivien has designed and implemented community participation programs around some very sensitive and controversial projects over the past two decades. She has assisted clients with the development of public participation policies, practices and procedures around sewerage, solid waste, urban planning, transport, health and education, as well as mining and manufacturing facilities.
Vivien was the inaugural President of IAP2’s Australasian Chapter from 1998 to 2002. She was International President in 2004, the first person outside North America to hold that position.
Vivien was one of the first IAP2 licensed trainers who offered the Certificate Course in Public Participation internationally and has trained groups in Australia and New Zealand, Singapore, UK, the US and Canada. She was a Master Trainer for IAP2 from 2004 – 2009 which involved training and mentoring new Trainers before and after licensure.
Other Complementary Experience
Vivien has lectured on personal and organisational communication as well as participation to undergraduate and postgraduate students. She has facilitated training programs in leadership and communication for clients in both the public and private sector. She has presented papers at a number of conferences.
Vivien is an experienced facilitator and an accredited commercial mediator with the Australian Commercial Disputes Centre.
Vivien was made a Fellow of the University of Wollongong in 2002 and holds a number of honorary directorships in local community organisations.
Typical Projects Vivien adds value to
- Demonstrating to decision-makers (CEOs, politicians, Directors General and senior executives) the benefits of strategically and effectively engaging stakeholders in decisions.
- Partnering with senior managers to build inernal capacity for engaging stakeholders in decisions.
- Planning effective engagement processes using an educative, appreciative and deliberative approach to provide relevant and useful information to decision-makers.
- Facilitating effective planning sessions and deliberative processes to find solutions to intractable problems.
- Mediating community or workplace conflicts.
- Reviewing and evaluating public participation processes and facilitating client learning as a result of the evaluation.