On 22 January 2026, the Court of Appeal handed down a unanimous judgment in R (Hawes) v London Borough of Tower Hamlets [2026], ruling that a London borough cannot remove a transport scheme included in its Local Implementation Plan (LIP) without first completing a formal revision process. The decision has direct consequences for how public bodies across […]
Most organisations capture consultation and engagement data. Few treat it as something worth building. This article explores why engagement data is still managed as a by-product of activity rather than a strategic asset, what it takes to change that, and why the most compelling case for doing so is often found not in what the
Consultation Management: From Keeping Records to Building Knowledge Read More »
Budget pressures are pushing public bodies to reduce consultation spend. But cutting costs without managing the consequences introduces serious legal and reputational risk. This article examines how organisations can run efficient, lawful consultations that still meet their obligations under the Gunning principles, the Equality Act 2010, and WCAG 2.1 web accessibility standards. Why does trying
Public consultation in high conflict projects fails for predictable, preventable reasons. This article sets out the five interventions that consistently improve outcomes and defensibility across regulated infrastructure, NHS service change, and contested local decisions, drawing on UK case law and independent review practice. What makes a public consultation “high conflict” in legal terms? A high
What Makes Public Consultation Legally Defensible? A Guide for High Conflict Projects Read More »
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
Engagement and consultation are not the same thing. Most practitioners know this in principle. Fewer have felt the legal consequences of getting the boundary wrong. In 2026, that boundary is better defined, more litigated, and more consequential than it was when Damian Greenfield examined the communication and engagement distinction in these pages in 2022 –
Engagement vs Consultation: Knowing the Difference in 2026 Read More »
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
Co-production in Public Consultation: How to Share Power Without Losing Accountability Read More »
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
Focus Groups | Digital vs In-Person: A Post-COVID Governance Question Read More »
Public consultation is entering a new era of digital innovation. Autonomous AI agents promise to analyse thousands of consultation responses and manage stakeholder communications. But can they deliver, and under what conditions? This article examines the need for integration, quality inputs, strong governance, and above all, human judgement in AI-assisted public decision-making. Automation Is Not
Can AI Transform Public Consultation Without Losing Trust? Read More »
Public bodies often ask the wrong question. They ask whether they consulted enough. The law asks whether they used good judgement at the right time, and can prove it. Courts do not count activities. They look at decisions. The legal tests you are judged against Three areas of law matter in most consultations: None of
How to know you have done enough to meet public sector duties in a consultation Read More »
View our frequently asked questions or contact our dedicated account manager for further support.
You can reset your password here. If you’re still having issues, please send us a message below.
We have many ways you can pay for your membership.
You can renew/upgrade your membership here.
To find out more, send us a message below.
You will receive a reminder email from our dedicated membership account manager 4 weeks before your renewal date. This email will contain all the information you need to renew.
You can also renew your membership online here.
You can update your contact details here. Alternatively, please send a message to our membership account manager below.
Please send a message to our membership account manager below.Â
Our dedicated Membership Account Manager is on
hand to assist with any questions you might have.
Leave a message and our team will call you back
"*" indicates required fields
We’ll be in touch with you soon.
