Two products, run in sequence
Pre-Consultation → Public ConsultationQA of a Pre-Consultation covers all the work up to launch and yields the Certificate of Consultation Readiness. QA of a Public Consultation covers the live consultation through to the final report and yields the Certificate of Assurance, which carries the Part A assessment forward rather than repeating it.
QA of a Pre-Consultation
Five phases · up to launchReview and Plan
Examine the current position, why change is considered, what is in scope, and the legislative, equalities and other impact context: and set the governance and project plan for the full cycle through to decision.
Engage
Learning engagement with stakeholders and communities before options are developed, recorded and demonstrably used to shape the options that follow.
Design
Develop a real range of options that differ in ways that matter, against criteria agreed in advance, with likely impacts considered as the options are shaped.
Appraise
Apply a documented, consistent methodology to appraise the options, grounded in the evidence gathered and able to withstand scrutiny from an informed third party.
Decide
Make and document the decision on what to consult on, confirm the consultation mandate, and prepare accessible consultation materials ready for launch.
QA of a Public Consultation
Three interventions · through to the decisionMid-Review
The first test of the live consultation against the plan and mandate set in Part A, early enough in the second half that issues can still be put right before it closes.
Closing Review
In the final week, before close: confirms delivery and reach, that response analysis is sound, and that there is a clear plan to feed findings and decisions back to consultees.
Final Report
Confirms the reporting is a faithful account of what was heard and that the material going to the decision-maker gives a true and complete picture, including equalities and other impacts.
Two certificates: the output that carries the weight.
Assurance is only as useful as the proof you can show for it. Each product ends in a formal certificate you can place before scrutiny bodies, boards and the courts, each awarded at Good or Best Practice.
Certificate of Consultation Readiness
Confirms, before you consult, that the consultation is planned, governed and documented well enough to open, so you can launch with confidence.
Certificate of Assurance
Confirms, before the decision, that the consultation was delivered and reported as it should have been, carrying the whole process, so the decision rests on assured evidence.
A confirmation letter follows each stage, so you always know where you stand, and the certificate is issued the moment the standard is met.
The UK benchmark for consultation assurance.
The Consultation Institute's original Quality Assurance Framework has been formally novated to tCI, and it remains the recognised standard for public consultation.
At each critical milestone we independently assess consultation readiness, surface risks, and confirm alignment with recognised standards. Each stage is an independent checkpoint, so the process can be scaled to the risk and complexity of your consultation, protecting against legal, political, and reputational challenge.
Two professionals, one balanced team.
We provide a clear summary after every intervention, so you always know where you stand, and access to our Client Handbook throughout.
Support and insight
Works directly with your team, offering guidance, asking the right questions, and helping you prepare for each review.
Independent oversight
Verifies that standards have been met and confirms when a formal endorsement can be given, based on evidence, not assumptions.
A formal confirmation letter recording whether your consultation meets Good Practice or Best Practice under the Consultation Charter.
Where Quality Assurance helps.
You don't have to be running a major national programme to benefit. QA is most useful when the stakes, or the scrutiny, are high.
The Consultation Institute has provided us with such sound advice. Their recommendations have been tremendously helpful.
Where a full process isn't needed
QA Lite
A simplified review focusing on scope, documentation and compliance, for smaller or lower-risk proposals.
View service →Early Assurance
A short, expert-led snapshot to test your plans before they’re final.
View service →Charter Workshop
A half-day workshop introducing your team to the Consultation Charter and its Seven Key Principles.
View service →An independent check, by experienced practitioners
Tested before challenge
We assess against the Gunning Principles, the standard a court applies, before you consult, not after a claim is filed.
Stands up in court
tCI-assured consultations have been cited in judicial review, four reached JR in ten years, all decided for the defending body.
Evidence for scrutiny
Boards, committees and auditors get independent proof the process was sound, not just internal assurance.
The recognised standard
Referenced in national guidance and named in statutory instruments as evidence a consultation was independently certified.
Scope the right level of assurance.
Some organisations take the full two-product programme; others opt for lighter-touch support or an early intervention. We can help you assess your options.