Multi-layered information – “A little learning is a dangerous thing” (attributed Pope, 1709)
Two recent experiences with current controversial NHS consultations illustrate the complexities of providing the right amount of information for the public.
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Towards an evidence-based profession – The Institute announces a collaboration to launch the Huddersfield Centre for Communications and Consultation Research
We founded the Consultation Institute ten years ago! And, in that time, we have tried hard to promote best practice – in a discipline that has frankly lacked the kind of academic underpinning that it should have had.
A single killer question – Will the ‘Friends and Family’ question help cure the NHS? And is this the right way to consult customers?
Last week, the re-organised NHS in England started in earnest to use a single standard benchmark question. It reads: “How likely are you to recommend our “ward/A&E department” to friends and family if they needed similar care or treatment?” and uses a five point scale with the results shown as the ‘Net promoter score’.
Questioning the expert – What can we deduce from the Leeds Infirmary row?
Very few news stories have caught the imagination – and prompted such a confused response as last week’s astonishing developments over the cardiac surgery unit at the Leeds Infirmary. Successive waves of revelations have served to muddy the waters, and it will be a brave person who can predict how it will all unfold.
Questioning the expert – What can we deduce from the Leeds Infirmary row? Read More »
Defining your neighbourhood – So much public consultation relies upon people’s sense of identity…
When the Coalition Government started using the word Localism, a few years ago, there weren’t too many critics. It isn’t easy being against Localism; it’s a bit like being opposed to the Armed Forces or our bigger charities. Or motherhood and apple-pie. Being in favour of a local approach surely can’t be wrong … can
Doing it in public – There are sound reasons why consultation is often best done in public
We all know that consultation comes in many forms, and that there are as many dialogue methods as there are consultancy firms with the creativity to invent a new one. But how transparent are these? And do they need to be undertaken in public if we are to satisfy the requirements of transparency.
Uninformed debate – One of the differences between opinion polling and consultation
Hands up who feels really well-informed about the European market for horse-meat? Maybe not too many of us – but certainly rather more than did so three weeks ago! One of the hallmarks of our Google-grateful age is that it is easier than ever before to feel clued-up, and our 24-hour news culture is happy
Uninformed debate – One of the differences between opinion polling and consultation Read More »
Counting signatures – Was the Roman Catholic Archbishop right to call the Equal Marriage consultation a sham?
Happy New Year! Those who woke up on Christmas Day expecting our Churches to be promoting peace and harmony might have been surprised to hear Archbishop Vincent Nichols make a very outspoken attack on the Government – fiercely critical of its consultation on Equal Marriage.
Constructive Consultation – How can we make the act of dialogue a more positive process with constructive outcomes?
One of the frequent arguments against public and stakeholder consultation is that it often produces negative reactions to reasonable plans that public authorities wish to implement. Worse, it acts as a magnet, attracting dissidents and opponents like bees to a honey-pot. According to some, whatever the criticism may be – having a consultation is bound
Mid-Staffs Report spells engagement challenges for NHS and Councils
Anyone reading Robert Francis’ massive Report into the Mid-Staffordshire Hospital Scandal(1) will surely be appalled at the widespread failures which meant that hundreds of patients suffered whilst Regulators and bureaucrats vacillated. Its 290 recommendations challenge almost every aspect of the status quo and is a tough read for everyone associated with the provision of health and
Mid-Staffs Report spells engagement challenges for NHS and Councils Read More »
