Risk
Assessment.
Spot the risks early. Plan with confidence.
Every consultation carries risk.
A Consultation Risk Assessment helps you identify those risks early and plan proportionate ways to manage them, before challenge arises, not after.
By testing your approach against recognised standards, including the Gunning Principles and your statutory duties, we give you independent assurance that your process can withstand scrutiny, and a clear record that you have taken proper care.
Legal
Whether the process meets statutory duties and the fairness tests set by the Gunning Principles.
Political
Where a high-profile, contested or sensitive decision could attract opposition or scrutiny.
Reputational
How a process is perceived, and the trust it builds or erodes with stakeholders and the public.
We rate every risk by impact and likelihood.
Our team reviews your scope, governance, timelines and engagement materials, then plots each weakness on a shared matrix. The result is a structured assessment that highlights risks, rates their potential impact, and sets out proportionate mitigation options.
No specific risk sits in this cell – monitor and reassess as the consultation develops.
Extend or properly justify the consultation period against the Gunning time test.
Plan proactive stakeholder communications and a visible, published feedback loop.
No specific risk sits in this cell – monitor and reassess as the consultation develops.
No specific risk sits in this cell – monitor and reassess as the consultation develops.
Brief elected members early and document the decision rationale in full.
No specific risk sits in this cell – monitor and reassess as the consultation develops.
No specific risk sits in this cell – monitor and reassess as the consultation develops.
No specific risk sits in this cell – monitor and reassess as the consultation develops.
What we put under review
Four lines of inspectionWhether consultation is required and proportionate, and that the questions asked are properly open.
How decisions are owned, recorded and signed off, so the process holds up to internal and external scrutiny.
Whether there is adequate time to consult, analyse and conscientiously consider the responses received.
Whether documents are clear, accessible and give people enough information to respond intelligently.
A Risk Assessment is especially valuable when your project is,
A record that stands up to scrutiny.
You receive a structured assessment that highlights risks, rates their potential impact, and sets out mitigation options. It gives leaders confidence that they have taken proper care, and an evidenced trail for internal or external challenge.
Tested against recognised standards, the Gunning Principles and your statutory duties.
Assess the risk before it finds you.
Our team is on hand to scope an assessment around your consultation, your timeline and your level of exposure.