News & Insights
In-depth training for Consultation Law
Better opportunities to consider the implications of key Judicial Reviews
Over the last seven years, well over 1200 people have attended Institute courses on the Law of Consultation. Almost all have been asked for their feedback and two of the most frequently heard reactions were: “My bosses need to come to this” and “Can you do a two-day version so we can spend time discussing the implications of the most important judgments?”
That last point carries real force. When the course began, we were drawing upon about 30 relevant High Court judgments. Today, 35 versions and 4 variants later, we work with a corps of knowledge extending to over 150 relevant cases with a significant addition every month. There is no disguising the fact that when it comes to public consultation, there is a lot more law. Our one-day course has been continuously adapted and always features the latest twists and turns of Judicial interventions. It remains the perfect way to get clued up on the Law of Consultation in a single day.
But the time is right to offer a more in-depth experience. Our 2-day Masterclass is designed primarily for those who want the opportunity to discuss as well as absorb; to probe and assess the likely implications for their own organisations. It will be particularly suitable for Senior legal Advisers in central and local government, the NHS and other public services as well as operational Directors and Managers charged with securing major change or transformation.
The agenda has been carefully constructed to cover all fundamental aspects of the law, but in the context of the politics of consultation. The linkage between the real politic and rough-and-tumble of policy-making/public administration and the Courts is becoming more obvious by the day. This week, retired Supreme Court Judge, Lord Sumption delivered the first of the forthcoming five BBC Reith lectures(https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00057m8) on the subject of the ever expanding remit of the law. As a historian, he traces how the 20th century saw politicians abrogate more and more decisions to the Courts, so that today people have rights they can exercise that never existed in earlier times.
Public consultation is a classic example. Years ago, it was inconceivable that local communities and campaigners could routinely go to Court to challenge political decision-making. Today alleged flaws in consultation can disrupt and delay plans for infrastructure projects, hospitals rationalisations or local government changes, and senior executives and advisers responsible for organising such projects need a precise understanding of the pitfalls that lie in wait.
The two-day event, to be held in a prestigious Westminster venue on 19th / 20th November will attract serious responsible Managers as well as public engagement/consultation specialists who need in-depth insight.
To join this Masterclass, please contact Rebecca Wright on 01767 318350