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 »
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
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.
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 »
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.
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
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 »
Last week’s Radio Four programme File on Four was called ‘Taxing questions’ and looked critically at HMRC’s recent activities in engaging openly with key stakeholders. Two current situations were dealt with in detail. One is what’s called the Patent Box – a new tax regime, announced in last year’s Budget and designed to improve the
In July 2012, the Cabinet Office produced a new set of Consultation Principles, intended to replace the 2008 Code of Practice, and put into effect immediately. Many established stakeholder organisations were taken aback, leading in time to a decision by the House of Lords Secondary Legislation Scrutiny Committee to conduct an inquiry in the autumn
Consultation has always been a formal process within a wider environment of public engagement. No-one has ever suggested that we have to declare a consultation before a public debate can take place and, of course, a great number of important issues generating enormous controversies are never subject to consultation. Indeed it has always seemed a
Unannounced consultations! – No-one now waits for the consultation to start Read More »
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