This 20-page article by Karen Bell and Mark Reed presents a new conceptual model of inclusive participatory decision-making known as ‘the Tree of Participation’ (ToP). Organisers of the participatory process can use this model to check for empowering and inclusive practice. The model is also useful for disadvantaged groups to set demands and expectations when participating in public decision-making.

Participatory decision-making plays a pivotal role in community development. However, it often falls short in practice. The ToP model aims to enhance the quality of this process, minimising the potential for manipulation and yielding better outcomes, especially for marginalised groups.

The ToP model is the result of a thorough examination of existing participatory decision-making methods, combined with input from public engagement practitioners and participants. Surveys were conducted to gauge the success of different participatory events, revealing that inclusive participation was more prevalent in processes considered successful. In the findings, key factors like feedback, accountability, equal power, accessibility, and inclusion emerged as crucial for empowerment.

Building on the strengths of these theoretical models, the ToP also aims to overcome their limitations. For instance, it takes into account how the context in which participation takes place shapes inclusivity and other desired outcomes. It also acknowledges the varying importance of different factors at different points throughout the process, and is more easily applied than other models.

The ToP model identifies 12 essential factors for inclusive and effective participatory processes, and seven contextual factors that enhance the process. Further, the tree is depicted as follows: 

• The pre-process is represented by the roots.
• The process itself is represented by the branches.
• The post-process is represented by the leaves. 
• Context surrounds the tree (air, soil, other trees, plants, etc.). 

All the components, including the context, are interrelated.

Overall, the ToP is a holistic model that provides a framework from which to design an empowering and inclusive participatory decision-making process.