It is not every week that a major newspaper devotes an editorial to the role of public consultations in our democracy. But last Thursday’s Times editorial did that under the banner headline ‘Government by consultation: inviting comment on a proposal is not the same as taking action.’ It was an overdue challenge to Ministers’ and […]
Spot-on: the ‘Times’ editorial on public consultations is correct Read More »
After shutting NHS maternity units or proposing new housing on Green Belt, just about the most controversial public consultations are those affecting airspace changes around our airports. What few people, and even local councils have realised, is that those living within audible distance of an UK airport will soon be consulted about changes to the
Will new consultation rules for airspace changes lead to long delays? Read More »
One day soon, it will be called the Prince of Wales Bridge! Some will rejoice at this imaginative gesture announced by the Secretary of State for Wales this week. Others are venting their spleen on social media and militant Welsh republicans are loudly complaining, in the words of WalesOnline about ‘a glorious example of outdated,
Should the re-named Severn Bridge have been subject to consultation? Read More »
The Case for Public Consultation Hearings In its latest Briefing Paper, the Institute argues the case for Public Consultation Hearings. In the recommended format, organisations undertaking a consultation will provide the opportunity for selected consultees to appear before decision-makers and give their evidence and their viewpoint – a little like Parliamentary Select Committees.  It is not a
Tackling the ‘black hole’ of consultation Read More »
How suitable is ‘brand management’ in a public consultation? Since communications departments have taken a bigger role in organising public consultations, it has become popular to provide such exercises with a ‘brand image.’ They tend to follow predictable patterns. ‘Better Buses for Bootle’; ‘A Healthier Hogwartshire’, or ‘A New Beginning for Knotty Ash’. These come
Putting a face to the faceless Read More »
This week saw the latest instalment in the controversial saga of the Maternity service at Horton Hospital, Banbury. When campaigners’ legal challenge failed in the High Court, the Institute predicted that the CCG’s plans might yet run into difficulty. Now the Independent Reconfiguration Panel (IRP) has advised the Minister that ‘further action is required locally
This year, the Institute announced it would be running a set of 6 ‘super-courses’ available to delegates for public training. This includes the three themes: Change Management Methods of Engagement Law The Law of Consultation course has been extremely popular since its inception in 2012. It provides an excellent understanding of the process of a
The Case for Equality Law for Public Engagement and Consultation Read More »
One of the most interesting policy changes currently out to consultation is the much-demanded extension of eligibility for ‘Blue badge’ car parking scheme for disabled people. The proposal is to widen this to cover ‘hidden’ disabilities and is attractive to huge numbers of people with physical, mental or cognitive conditions who cannot currently qualify. If
Blue badge extension consults existing users. Or does it? Read More »
Decision-maker or Solution-builder? We enter 2018 with co-production hitting an all-time high in the popularity stakes. It seems to capture the mood of the moment, harnessing community assets to make better use of diminishing resources, particularly in the fields of health and social care. Institute members report positive experiences – well beyond these subjects, and
Co-production in perspective Read More »
Stinging criticism from MPs on the threat to patient confidentiality The myriad arms of Government are constantly urged to work together and to avoid the ‘silo mentality’. So, when two bodies agree on a controversial policy, how much consultation should there be? Last week saw the Chair of the Health Select Committee call for the
Select Committee attacks lack of consultation on internal Government policy-making Read More »
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