News & Insights
Consultation – or just another survey? – Surveys can be useful in gathering information – but do not amount to consultation on their own. Don't confuse "Let's do a survey!" with a true commitment to consult!
Consultation is such a popular idea that the label is increasingly being misused to describe activities which aren’t quite ……….
There is already a thin dividing line between some so-called consultation exercises and blatant PR. I have in mind the glossy brochure that effectively says, “We think we’re wonderful. Now tell us what YOU think!”. An analysis of feedback from such documents might just prove valuable – but consultation? Hardly!
A similar danger exists with surveys. Asking people questions, and getting an instant opinion-poll result is certainly one way of gathering data about what people think.
Access to this content is exclusively for Institute members
Not a member? Unlock this article and more today by signing up for a Consultation Institute membership. Benefit from access to over 300 Topic Papers and Briefing Notes, discounted rates on all public training and more. Click on Join Now today to find out more and sign up.
Rhion Jones
More news
The challenge The challenge of engaging younger people in public decision-making has become sufficiently well-rehearsed that it no longer warrants...
Introduction In public decision making, it is common to treat volume as protection. More meetings. More survey returns. More submissions....
The Promise and the Caution AI is arriving in government consultation. Cambridge City Council’s planning department and the Central Government...
