Originally published 11 January 2012. This article is retained from the tCI archive. Law, policy or practice may have changed since publication.
In recent years, it has been fashionable in some places to complain about formal consultation and place the emphasis firmly on concepts of public ‘engagement’. Consultation, it is claimed, is too hidebound by rules and formalities; the idea of engagement is much looser and can be used for more constructive purposes. Quite right too. However, there is still a need for any machinery to be well thought-through and be fit-for-purpose. Just calling it ‘engagement’ does not alter the reality that public bodies on the one hand and local community groups etc. on the other, need a sound appreciation of what they are doing, with whom and why.
In the NHS in Wales right now there is an on-going debate about the meaning of ‘continuous engagement’. This is because a new set of Guidelines seeks to switch the emphasis away from formal consultation on options for change towards a permanent relationship with key stakeholders and a continuous dialogue. Clearly a good idea, but can anyone define it?
The Institute defines structured engagement simply as the development and implementation of relationships with a view to ensuring a longer-term dialogue on matters of mutual interest. Hence the amazing array of Forums, Networks, Panels and Committees that are found in every locality and which, no doubt, contribute to mutual understanding between public bodies and various interest groups.
But maybe they don’t.
The truth is, many of these mechanisms were established years ago under very different conditions, long before the days of the internet, let alone social media. They are often inward-looking and essentially a regular gathering of the ‘usual suspects’ with little to show for the discussion that takes place. They mirror organisational structures and boundaries that have since changed and can easily be seen as a ritualised form of dialogue that fails to deliver what it might.
So, this is a plea to look again at the structured engagement being organised in each area and to evaluate its effectiveness. Are the terms of reference still appropriate? Are those involved representative of relevant points of view? Do the agendas enable useful dialogues? What has the machinery accomplished?
Many local Authorities, NHS Trusts, Police Authorities and other public bodies have been undertaking wide-ranging reviews of all manner of activities. Smart organisations eschew salami-slicing, so it is best to make judgements about what works best and what maybe does not. The true cost of engagement mechanisms is seldom properly counted, and is probably a lot higher than is thought. Great potential for savings!
But there is a broader benefit of re-visiting engagement structures. Staff who service such bodies and processes which support them, need an injection of new thinking. Social media already offers involvement to many who cannot be effectively engaged in the traditional-style forums. Then there is the opportunity to adopt innovative methods for option development like co-production or maybe more inclusive ways to consider financial issues like participatory budgeting.
Structured engagement has one big advantage over consultation – it provides a place where information can be shared over a period of time. As recent High Court cases have shown, one of the biggest challenges is to present the consultation narrative in a way that is comprehensive and fair. Doubt this and just watch the reactions to the High Speed 2 decision is it comes this week, for opponents are bound to argue – rightly or wrongly - that the information provided in the consultation was misleading.
By building relationships with stakeholder groups over years rather than months, it is possible to create an informed debate, and for this reason alone, structured engagement as a mechanism for on-going dialogue has much going for it.
Trigger points
- Have you reviewed structured engagement in your organisation? If so, how many Forums or Consultative Committees have you identified? Is there scope for rationalisation?
- The Institute will hold a Key Issue Workshop on Structured Engagement later in the Spring. If you are interested in participating or attending.
- Watch out for the forthcoming decision and publication of the High Speed Two consultation
- A copy of the NHS Wales Guidance – with its emphasis on ‘continuous engagement’ is available
This is the 203rd Tuesday Topic; a full list of subjects covered is available for Institute members and is a valuable resource covering so many aspects of consultation and engagement