In this case study, we examine the role of science and scientists in community-led collaborative policy processes. We outline the shift from science-led linear policy processes to community-led science-informed policy processes. This case study illustrates how practice evolved to ensure that scientists provided reliable, credible, and salient evidence to help community decision-makers. From this experience, a set of principles for scientists working in these environments was created. These principles include scientists recognising their changing role, scientists sharing the burden of uncertainty, scientists speaking in the communities’ language, and scientists creating fit for purpose assessment frameworks.