News & Insights
Listening to politicians – Those seeking to implement change in our public services should study the views and attitudes of our elected representatives
It is so fashionable to denigrate politicians and to counsel them to ‘listen to the people’ that it may appear counter-intuitive to suggest that just for once, we should listen to them.
Civil servants and Managers attending Institute training courses, Masterclasses or Roundtables frequently complain that one of the biggest challenges they face is overcoming “the politics.” By this they do not necessarily mean party politics – but typically the extreme reluctance of MPs or Councillors to agree with controversial changes, especially if constituents want to oppose them.
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
With Health Overview and Scrutiny Committees referring an increasing number of NHS service change processes for inadequate involvement, commissioners are...
Scrutiny committees, from House of Commons select committees to local government overview and scrutiny bodies, apply a consistent evidential test...
The Consultation Institute’s 2026–27 public virtual training programme is now open for registrations of interest. 41 courses run from 16...
