In recent years, Surroundings Engagement Management (SEM) has become a critical component for ensuring smooth project execution. Driven by increasing societal awareness, declining trust in government institutions, and policy reforms such as the Dutch Environment and Planning Act (Omgevingswet). Yet, despite its expanding relevance, SEM is not easily defined. The role is broad in scope, strongly shaped by organisational and project contexts, and interpreted in multiple ways across practice. As a result, there is no single, uncontested understanding of what constitutes the work and responsibilities of an SEM professional....