When politicians try to justify their actions, they frequently refer to their mandate. It is another word for their “authority” and in this context, that mandate derives from the democratic ballot box.

But in a society where we trespass upon people’s time – and invite them to offer their considered opinions, a different kind of mandate is becoming required.

With the ever-proliferating use of public participation, and the advent of consultation fatigue, stakeholders are rightly becoming selective and are asking more questions before committing resources to one exercise or another.

One key question is What’s your mandate for this consultation?