Ever since the Institute began, the first thing taught to members and supporters is the mantra Consultation is not a Vote. Indeed, it was the theme of the first ever Tuesday Topic. But, of course, there are times when major decisions only feel fair and democratic if a Referendum is held; and supporters of direct democracy were much encouraged by the apparent success of the Scottish Independence referendum in 2014. The same people will no doubt revel in the forthcoming in-out vote on our future in the European Union.

But for lower-profile decisions, we rely on the established tools of representative democracy and look to our Parliaments or Councils to act on our behalf. Alternatively, where there is less democratic accountability, we oblige Managers to seek stakeholder opinions and then weigh up the arguments before taking the decision. That model works well enough when there is sufficient trust between politicians or bureaucrats, but is badly strained when communities lose confidence in those institutions and structures.