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Public bodies running major consultations routinely use HM Treasury’s Green Book to appraise options, and routinely face legal challenge under the Gunning principles, the court-established legal test for lawful public consultation in the UK. The two frameworks share a common goal but impose conflicting demands on timing, disclosure and decision-making. This article examines those conflicts […]

Public bodies have long struggled with a fundamental tension: how to meaningfully involve the people they serve in shaping decisions, without ceding the accountability that democratic governance demands. Co-production offers a compelling answer, but only when it is done honestly, with clear rules and real power on the table. What Co-production Actually Means Co-production is

The pandemic forced focus groups online. That shift has stuck. Many organisations now default to digital platforms because they are faster to arrange and cheaper to run. But format is not neutral. It shapes participation, discussion depth and evidence quality. For those accountable under scrutiny, that matters. Digital Sessions Change Behaviour Online platforms alter how

Starting 5th February, join us every Thursday from 11am to 12pm for informal, expert led discussions on consultation and engagement topics. These free virtual sessions [MS Teams] bring together professionals from across the sector to learn, share, and connect with our faculty and guest speakers. Whether you’re new to consultation or a seasoned practitioner, our

The UK government’s January 2026 consultation on children’s smartphone and social media use presents a textbook case of the risks inherent in narrowing consultation scope before hearing from stakeholders. Rather than an open call for evidence, ministers have presented a predetermined menu: should social media be banned under 16? Should overnight curfews be imposed? Should

In January 2026, the UK government launched a public consultation on children’s smartphone and social media use, but with a notable constraint: instead of an open call for ideas, ministers presented a shortlist of predetermined options. Should social media be banned under a certain age? Should the digital age of consent be raised? Should overnight