Ideally, in the context of ongoing stakeholder engagement.

But in situations where there is no history of participatory approaches, the CSC can be a powerful and useful methodology for initiating and sustaining community engagement.

Typically, implementing a CSC does not require a significant cash outlay.

In general, direct costs associated with CSC implementation include organizer/facilitator salaries and modest communications and logistics expenses. These can range from printing of informational posters and brochures and renting meeting space and/or sound equipment to refreshments for community meeting participants and reimbursement of travel costs. Still, costs can vary significantly depending on the location, scope, scale, and specific CSC context.

There could be additional costs for complementary activities such as:

• Publicity campaigns to encourage community participation in the CSC process
• Independent monitoring of standards/company commitments
• Facilitator training and capacity building
• Ongoing communication and engagement with community groups
• Partnering with a local nongovernmental or civil society organization to support a multi- stakeholder CSC follow-up committee

Note that costs associated with the implementation of agreed action plans are not considered part of the actual CSC process. However, companies should keep in mind that there may be additional expenses to carry out these plans.

Successful CSC implementation depends on the ability to mobilize community members/local actors and facilitate multi-stakeholder dialogue. Options here include:

• Using the company’s in-house community relations staff who can act as mobilizers and facilitators to coordinate and implement the CSC.
• Partnering with a local NGO or consulting firm that has facilitation expertise.
• Supporting the training of community mobilizers/facilitators by the implementing partner or a qualified trainer.
• Using a combination of all three: For example, the company might coordinate the overall process, but partner with an NGO that organizes and facilitates the community meetings or trains and mentors community facilitators.

You can conduct the process virtually, although face-to-face engagement is preferable. Virtual CSCs require connectivity for all participants and facilitators who are comfortable using online communication platforms.