Anyone who has followed the debate about engagement methods in recent years knows that Appreciative Inquiry (AI) is sometimes given mixed reviews. Indeed one reviewer in 2000 called it ‘too Pollyanna-ish’ and others claimed it relied too much on ‘warm fuzzy group hugs.’ (2006) But that was then and things have moved on, as illustrated in […]
Appreciative Inquiry – Great idea for the NHS right now Read More »
Taking important policy decisions today both in Public bodies and in the Private and Voluntary Sectors is a far cry from the traditional ways of decision-making. Two seminal trends drive the change. One is the steady growth in transparency, which is evident well beyond organisations, which are democratically accountable. The other is an increase in
The Consultation Charter – The 7 Best Practice Principles Read More »
So, Tuesday morning, Liam Fox goes onto the Radio Four TODAY programme and teases its listeners with the prospect of unprecedented consultation on trade matters. It’s worth recording his message: ‘We are entering an era where I think people will take a much bigger interest in trade agreements than they might have done in the
Is it time for key stakeholders to become more assertive and demand better consultations? Have public consultations got better over the last ten years? It’s a good question, because although some of us close to the profession would claim significant advances, many others would vociferously deny it. They might point to regular abuses and a
Pushing for better consultations Read More »
Apart from sounding vaguely like an election result from a Banana Republic, the headline figures following the Scottish Government’s Consultation are almost certainly correct. But is this the whole story? This consultation had a high political profile, coming after a moratorium on ‘unconventional oil and gas’ exploitation in Scotland, and considerable pressure from environmental and
99% of consultees oppose Fracking in Scotland – but what does this mean? Read More »
On 31 October, the Radio 4 TODAY programme (at 2hrs 10s into the episode) provided us with a marvellous example of a classic consultation conundrum: When does consultation amount to meaningful Government action? On the prestigious 8.10am political slot, John Humphrys introduced an item on the serious issue of fixed-odds gambling machines using the words,“Now
Today programme’s superb example of (Action=Consultation?) Read More »
It is not as easy as it sounds. Because they seldom participate in formal consultations, and are rarely keen to take time out to offer views to public bodies, the EU saw fit to organise a special project to explore the dynamics of this relationship. It commissioned Brussels-based European Citizen Action Service (ECAS) to mount
VIDEO: Finding ways to track young people’s views in Europe Read More »
Brussels 17th October The European Citizens Action Service (ECAS) assemble 100+ to a central Brussels venue to celebrate digital democracy. An Estonian diplomat opens the day and praises participatory budgeting… A Canadian working in Ireland talks about her new forms of citizen participation … A Portuguese market researcher working for a major Brussels firm shares
Digital democracy Day 2017 – why the Institute takes such interest … Read More »
Is it ‘business as usual’ or is there something changing in the world of public engagement? BREXIT impacts so many aspects of our national life, but don’t yawn at the prospect of yet another analysis trying to balance the doom and gloom of Remainers against the joy and jubilation of Leavers. This topic tries to
Is BREXIT changing the practice of public consultations? Read More »
The Institute has been providing thought leadership and guidance in a rapidly evolving world of public consultation and continues to set the standards for best practice. Members of the Institute may be aware of some of the supportive services we offer, but many of you may not know the team behind the scenes. The Institute
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