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The Monkey and the Organ-Grinder – How important is it for consultees to have direct contact with decision-makers?
In the perfect world, a consultation is organised by people who genuinely want to hear your views so that they can take decisions or review their policies. They will be keen to understand what key stakeholders have to say, and may well make themselves available for direct discussions with them.
Of course we all realise that life is not like this. A Government department launches a large-scale consultation, and a big fat document crashes onto our desks. We labour to produce a serious and detailed response, but we do no seriously expect the phone call, The Minister would like to you to come to talk to him…..
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Rhion Jones
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