The future of participation: how to lead with people in 2025
In 2025, participation isn’t just a box-tick. It’s how we build trust, unlock innovation, and deliver better services with our communities — not just to them. Whether you work in strategy, innovation, digital, organisational development or local delivery, your work touches participation.
And it’s changing. Fast.
This blog brings together five big shifts shaping the future of participation — and how you can act on them. With examples from Adur & Worthing and beyond, and tools you can use today, this is your field guide for leading with people in 2025.
🌱 1. Radical co-creation
Co-creation isn’t about inviting people into a room after decisions have been made. It’s about designing with people, from the start.
“Co-creation is no longer a workshop. It’s a mindset. Participation in 2025 starts with sharing power.”
Local inspiration:
At Adur & Worthing Councils, community leaders and residents shape everything from cost-of-living support to shared spaces. Their Kitchen Table participatory budgeting programme uses platforms like Spacehive to match community crowdfunding with council funds — so residents can propose and fund the change they want to see.
Try this:
- Pilot a co-creation workshop in one service area.
- Use Neighborland or Commonplace to crowdsource ideas.
- Show people how their input leads to action.
🌍 2. Digital participation goes mainstream
Digital tools aren’t a fallback — they’re the foundation of how we meet people where they are.
“From voting apps to VR town halls — digital participation isn’t the future. It’s the now”.
Example from London:
LOTI is helping boroughs use platforms like CitizenLab for real-time public engagement. In Camden, this has helped reach younger and more diverse groups through hybrid and mobile-first consultations.
Try this:
🧭 3. Participation aligned with missions
Forget one-off consultations. Participation in 2025 is mission-led — built around long-term goals like tackling inequality, net zero or public health.
“Participation without purpose is noise. Missions give it meaning.”
UK example:
In Wigan, “The Deal” links citizen involvement directly to local outcomes — from climate action to children’s wellbeing. At Adur & Worthing, participation is baked into their strategic missions like “a fairer, greener place”.
Try this:
- Define 2–3 place-based missions.
- Use New Local tools to align services, participation, and resources.
- Report back using BetterEvaluation to track impact.
🧠 4. Inclusion is non-negotiable
If your participation isn’t reaching people from all backgrounds, it’s not working. Equity isn’t an outcome — it’s the process.
“Inclusion isn’t a nice-to-have. It’s a must-do. In 2025, every voice means every voice.”
Real-world example:
Joseph Rowntree Foundation and Inclusive Cities support councils in codesigning housing and public spaces with people from migrant and low-income communities.
Try this:
- Map who’s missing from the room — and why.
- Partner with grassroots organisations to build trust.
- Use creative tools from Design Council to open up conversations.
📊 5. Measure what matters
Without transparency, participation loses power. In 2025, evaluation isn’t an afterthought — it’s part of the offer.
“You don’t need perfect data — you need honest learning. Participation earns trust through transparency.”
Example:
Behavioural Insights Team have tested evaluation models for citizen assemblies that measure behaviour change, not just attendance.
Try this:
- Set success metrics before you start (like engagement equity, policy shifts or community-led delivery).
- Share updates visually using infographics or dashboards.
- Invite communities into the evaluation process.
🔧 Tools to try
Here are some platforms, methods and frameworks mentioned above:
Purpose Tool/Platform
Co-creation Spacehive, Neighborland, Commonplace
Digital engagement CitizenLab, Participedia
Hybrid facilitation Miro, Notion, Zoom
Equity & evaluation BetterEvaluation, Design Council, BIT
Storytelling Frameworks Institute
❤️ What this means for you
Whether you’re leading digital strategy, community engagement, or a whole organisation — participation is the thread that ties it together.
🔁 Start small.
💬 Listen deeply.
🤝 Share power.
📢 Tell stories.
📊 Show what’s changing.
💬 Join the conversation
We’re building a future where participation is everywhere — designed in, not bolted on. What’s one thing you’re trying this year? What would you love to learn from others?
