Law of Consultation: Practical Implications

CPD/APC Credits: 30

Many hundreds of Institute Members and supporters have attended our unique Law of Consultation course. We are now able to offer a special variant of this course with the emphasis firmly on the practical implications of the many Court decisions we have scrutinised. This course will be delivered by some of the Institute's most experienced Associates and will provide ample opportunities for detailed discussions about the application of the legal rules to the client's own environment.

Who is it for?
Ideal for government departments, local authorities, NHS bodies and myriad other public sector organisations where it is increasingly essential to consult the public – and do so lawfully. Although it provides the basics of the law of consultation, this is not fully-comprehensive and the emphasis is mostly on the implications.

Course Aim
• Understanding the basic principles of the law of consultation
• Explain the processes of the law and how judicial reviews come about
• Illustrate the legal principles with real life cases and with opportunities to discuss specific court judgments
• Focus on the practical implications, having regard to the client’s own programme of public engagement

Key Learning Points
• Legal processes and their consequences
• Statutory requirements (including Equality legislation)
• Understanding the Doctrine of Legitimate Expectation
• The difference between engagement and consultation
• When do the common law gunning principles apply?
• Best-practice methods for lawful options development
• The enforcement of formal guidance
• How much information must be published?
• Transparency and avoiding bias
• Ensuring the eventual decision-making is lawful