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 »
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
tCI Coffee Mornings – Frequently Asked Questions Read More »
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
The Dangers of Pre-Determined Consultation: Lessons from the UK Teen Tech Debate Read More »
Public consultation is rarely a standalone exercise. In local and central government, it often takes place alongside other engagement activity, policy development, and formal consultations being run by different parts of the same organisation. Local government reorganisation, budget setting, active travel schemes, service redesigns, workforce change. Each may be appropriate in its own right. The
When One Consultation Is Not the Only Conversation in Town Read More »
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
Who Decided the Options? The Hidden Stage of Policy Consultation Read More »
January 2026 – tCI has reopened its membership programme, offering consultation and engagement professionals across the UK and globally access to exclusive resources, professional development opportunities and a supportive peer network. Two Membership Tiers The relaunched programme offers two options: Individual Membership (£400/year ex VAT) is designed for independent consultants and individual practitioners looking to develop their
tCI Relaunches Membership Programme for Consultation and Engagement Professionals Read More »
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