THE CONSULTATION INSTITUTE

ESTABLISHED 2003 - 5,000+ PROFESSIONALS TRAINED

Executive Briefings · For senior leaders

Clarity in the room where decisions get made.

A high-level, practical session that gives boards, senior leaders and elected members the insight they need for confident, defensible oversight of consultation and engagement.

Who it's for Delivered by experienced associates
Boards Non-executive oversight Directors who must assure themselves a consultation is lawful, fair and defensible.
Elected members Councillors & cabinet Members balancing community relationships with their role in formal decision-making.
Senior leaders Executives & SLTs Officers accountable for delivery, risk and the organisation’s readiness for scrutiny.
Clear insight for senior leaders

The legal, political and reputational issues that matter most

Each session highlights the duties that govern consultation, including the Gunning Principles, and explores the risks that can undermine projects if left unchecked. Drawing on real-world case studies from health, local government and infrastructure, our experts show what works, what doesn't, and how to avoid common pitfalls.

01

Duties & the Gunning Principles

The statutory and common-law obligations that govern when and how you must consult.

02

Risk before it bites

The reputational, political and legal pitfalls that derail projects when left unchecked.

03

Real-world case studies

What worked and what didn’t across health, local government and infrastructure.

Types of briefing

Five briefings, tailored to
the table you sit at.

Select a briefing to see who it's for and what it covers. Each can be adapted to your projects.

For elected councillors

Members & Oversight

Gives Members the clarity and confidence to understand consultation, fulfil their role in decision-making, and build stronger relationships with the communities they serve.

The role of consultation, why it matters, what the law requires, and how the Gunning Principles apply.
Member responsibilities, understanding duties, risks, and how to provide effective oversight.
Good practice in action, approaches that support fair, transparent and defensible consultation.
Managing risk, how to minimise reputational damage and avoid legal challenge.
Consultation

The Consultation Briefing

For senior leaders and executives who need a clear, practical understanding of public engagement and consultation, combining legal insight with best practice.

What consultation really means and why it matters.
The legal framework, statutory duties and the Gunning Principles.
Purpose and phases, from developing options to considering outputs.
Who to consult and how, meeting ethical and equality requirements.
Best-practice standards, including the Consultation Charter.
EqualitiesTwo hours

The Equalities Briefing

A focused session for senior leadership teams: a practical overview of why equality matters in organisational decision-making, covering both responsibilities and risks.

The importance of equality considerations in shaping fair, defensible decisions.
Risks of neglecting equalities, legal, reputational and social consequences.
Resourcing equality work, why investment protects credibility and builds trust.
Allowing adequate time, making equalities integral to service change.
Leadership responsibilities, the role of cabinet members and governance teams.
Health inequalitiesTwo hours

Reducing Health Inequalities

Enhances understanding of the Duty to Reduce Health Inequalities and shows how meaningful patient engagement can be embedded in decision-making.

Duty to Reduce Health Inequalities, what it means in practice, with a focus on Section 14Z35.
Patient engagement, practical methods for involving patients and communities.
Population health management, and its link to tackling inequalities.
Health Inequalities Impact Assessment, tools to assess and reduce disparities.
Stakeholder involvement, engaging diverse perspectives to strengthen decisions.
Public engagement

Engagement vs Consultation

Explores the significance of public engagement and consultation, helping leaders understand the difference between the two, their statutory duties, and the frameworks that underpin them.

Key concepts, what engagement and consultation mean, and why they matter.
The consultation process, when engagement is sufficient, and when consultation is required.
Best practice and legal duties, equality law, ‘due regard’, the Gunning Principles and case law.
Effective engagement, the triple aim, asset-based approaches and partnership working.
Governance and scrutiny, connecting change, consultation and scrutiny into one approach.
Formats

Whatever the format, the aim is the same

To equip leaders with clarity, practical guidance, and reassurance that their organisation is prepared for scrutiny. Building on the work of the Consultation Institute, we bring independence, credibility and proven experience to every briefing.

Concise

Boardroom session

A short, high-impact slot that fits inside a board or committee meeting.

In depth

Extended workshop

A longer session with room for discussion, questions and worked examples.

Bespoke

Customised briefing

Built around your live projects, sector and the specific risks you face.

What leaders leave with

Confident, defensible decision-making.

01

Clarity

A shared, accurate understanding of what the law actually requires.

02

Confidence

Leaders ready to ask the right questions and make defensible calls.

03

Risk awareness

Sight of the pitfalls before they become challenges or headlines.

04

Readiness

Reassurance the organisation is prepared for scrutiny.

A board meeting, a workshop, or a session built around your project

Brief your leaders before the scrutiny starts.

Tell us who's in the room and what's on the agenda. We'll tailor a briefing that fits the format and the issues you're facing.

Talk to us
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