We’re living in a world that craves authenticity. Whether it’s authentic street food, immersive urban experiences or brands with a social purpose, we’re all looking for the real deal. And when we’re not looking for authentic experiences, we’re searching for authentic voices. That’s why the publishing world is turning its attention to the likes of […]
Last week, Rhion Jones considered the imminent General Election and the application of the (inappropriately-worded) purdah convention. Will purdah affect your consultation? In this update, he reflects on some of the issues that will concern public consultation professionals. Have you noticed the row about the failure of the Government to release a cross-party Parliamentary Report
Mis-using ‘purdah’? Read More »
Last week, the High Court released a judgment in the fascinating case of ECMA & Petsafe v Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). Claimants were manufacturers of electronic collars for dogs and cats – hugely controversial and a target for Animal Welfare activists over many years. Wales has banned them and
“Shock collar” consultation was flawed …but legal Read More »
In October 2019 I was delighted to submit evidence to the Lords Select Committee on Democracy and Digital Technologies on behalf of Bang the Table. Now I’m even more delighted that the evidence has been published and we can share it with you! The original article can be found here together with other submissions from the likes of
The technical term is ‘pre-election period of sensitivity’ (per House of Commons Library), but unsurprisingly, it hasn’t quite caught on. Using the word purdah is offensive to many, but it persists. The idea is to minimise political decisions or processes that can confer an advantage to one candidate or another. In practice, it means that
Will purdah affect your consultation? Read More »
When we ask for client feedback on any of tCI’s products and services, it’s because what you say and think, matters a lot. Even when feedback is negative, we understand it’s written to help improve the product and your own experience in the future. Feedback is valuable to us and provides essential insights for the
Reacting to feedback – positive and negative Read More »
Developing and appraising options are an important part of the process before consultation. They present people with an appreciation of the challenges you are facing, whether this is financial sustainability, location or staffing issues and if the process is conducted correctly, will provide you with robust options to bring forward into a consultation. But what
What if you think there is only one option? Read More »
This week’s decision by Grant Shapps, as Secretary of State for Transport to review the implementation of Smart Motorways comes following growing criticism and concerns about road safety. One aspect that has provoked controversy is the opening up of the ‘hard shoulder’ at times of heavy traffic with the problem that vehicles that break down
Smart motorways – has there been enough consultation? Read More »
How challenging it must be to implement an unpopular technology in the current climate. If you are a shale gas fracking operator in England, this week’s National Audit Office (NAO) Report[1] makes sombre reading. It makes no value judgement on the wisdom of encouraging the industry, though it notes that the devolved administrations in Northern
Fragile public support frustrates Fracking! Read More »
Can consultees ever provide you with unbiased opinions? Last week, we were approached by someone working in the NHS, seeking advice about the wisdom of consulting the public about the location of a new facility. Apparently, there were two viable options, but, paraphrasing a little, the suggestion was that consultee views would merely reflect their postcodes.
How objective can you be in consultations? Read More »
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