Sustainable Development Facilitation (SDF) is a successful sustainable development facilitation service established in Western Australia in 2000. SDF has the experience and capability to conduct a wide range of economic, social, cultural and environmental projects. SDF has a distinct method of working that involves the client in every step of the process so that at the end of the contract, the client has tools and knowledge to progress the business or project as successfully as possible.

The background of the company is firmly rooted in integrating development towards more sustainable results, encouraging a high level of participation and in practical implementation processes that facilitate follow-on activities. The company has strong strategic planning, analysis and management expertise that allows the findings of research and project work to be closely linked to expressed interests of key stakeholders in moving towards more sustainable outcomes.

Community Planning

The company supports and facilitates strategic planning, policy development, research and assessment processes. Developing policy submissions, project feasibility, strategic and business plans, consultation, presentations and facilitating workshops and project design, evaluation and resource mobilisation are followed through with thorough reporting and implementation guidelines. SDF has a distinct method of working that involves the client in every step of the process so that at the end of the contract, the client has tools and knowledge to progress the initiative.

In consultation processes, SDF uses a wealth of methods including surveys (postal, electronic, face to face and telephone), group discussions, in depth interviews (both individual and paired), workshops, public meetings, exhibitions and press releases. There is no 'right way' of consultation and the method/combination of methods chosen for a project will be dependent on what the client is trying to achieve, the type of people that are to be consulted and the level of detail and understanding required. It should always be clear why consultation is being undertaken. Every significant project, policy development and strategy should have a consultation plan as part of the overall project plan. SDF takes the time to asses whether the client is simply providing or generating information or requires deeper engagement. Other elements are also critical in deciding the most appropriate consultation such as the timeframe of the project, what resources are available, who is being consulted and whether any contact with those being consulted has been made previously.

SDF researches the people/community/businesses/industry group that is to be consulted leading to the most suitable method(s) of consultation being selected for project outcomes. Some approaches will produce a large amount of information at one time - i.e. a one-off survey. Others produce a flow of information over time - i.e. forums - thereby enabling a dialogue and reporting back on developments.

Indigenous Land Management Program

Positive Ageing Policy Debate

Ensuring that a wide range of views are gathered is also very important. There is a danger that significant social groups will be excluded if there is reliance on one means of consultation. For instance, use of media such as the internet can exclude some lower income groups or older people. Other groups to be considered are Indigenous people, young people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and people with disabilities.

Some consultations require the involvement of specific individuals or organisations who may be affected by the proposals and whose involvement is needed. Managing these effectively while ensuring the input is valued and allowing others to also have their say is a core competency of SDF.

As well as the existing team SDF contracts and manages other suitable independent expertise as required to assist with specific projects but is careful to attract personnel who are aligned with the SDF Vision and Mission and who can produce work to the high professional standards and reputation of SDF.

SDF is a registered business, ABN 90157949851 and has Public and Professional Indemnity insurance.