DON’T ASK PEOPLE QUESTIONS WITHOUT GOOD REASON!

Check what we already know , make sure you  can use the results to influence a decision. Where possible join up with someone else to carry out your consultation – check the Ask Me! Consultation Planner and Finder. If your consultation is statutory and there is guidance on how you will carry this out you must follow this. In any case be aware of the legal framework

PLAN AHEAD AND GET YOUR PLAN APPROVED

Complete your project plan  (159.50 KB) in advance it will help you be clear about your budget, plan your timetable and avoid pitfalls. Don’t forget to timetable properly if you need the assistance of other colleagues let them know NOW! Give your Project Plan to your manager / consultation commissioner to sign off before you start. Log your consultation on the Ask Me! - Consultation Planner and Finder

DON’T FORGET TO INVOLVE COUNCILLORS

Always involve the relevant local Councillor/s and for strategic / contentious consultation exercise get Cabinet approval before you start

MANAGE EXPECTATIONS BY BEING CLEAR ABOUT WHAT YOU ARE TRYING TO ACHIEVE

Be clear about your objectives – what can people REALLY influence, what are the constraints, what are the options and choices available, what do you need to know  (20.50 KB) to meet your objectives, how will you set this out to your consultees?

IDENTIFY YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE AND MAKE YOUR CONSULTATION AS INCLUSIVE AS POSSIBLE

Who are your target audience. Consultation should aim to seek a representative cross section of views. Our duties under Equalities legislation mean that we must be able to evidence that we have actively considered the impact of our proposals on both men and women, people from black and minority ethnic communities, and people with disabilities. You need to consider how you will ensure that the views of these groups are represented in your consultation. Our section on Engaging Everyone will help

PICK YOUR METHOD CAREFULLY SO IT DELIVERS THE RESULTS YOU WANT

Decide whether you want quantitative or qualitative information, there are a wide range of consultation methods to choose from so be creative, choose your method to match your objective . If you are using external help check out our advice. Make sure that your consultation process is fair and conducted with an open mind. This will help to avoid any legal challenges  (18.79 KB)

MAKE SURE YOUR CONSULTATION MATERIAL IS EASY TO UNDERSTAND AND COMPLIES WITH THE DATA PROTECTION ACT

Use plain English and avoid jargon, provide enough information to allow people to make an informed choice, check our guidance to make sure you are complying with the Data Protection Act. Make sure that you consider the communications needs of your consultees

DON’T JUST ASK – ACT!

You need to analyse and report not just what you found out but what the information tells you - what are your key messages, what can you do something about, what can you not respond to, what further action do you need to take, how will you let people know – in other words we asked people’s opinion so now what action will be taken.  Don’t forget to log the results on Ask Me! - Consultation Planner and Finder

DON’T FORGET TO TELL PEOPLE WHAT YOU LEARNT AND WHAT YOU WILL DO AS A RESULT

It is crucial to provide feedback about the results of your consultation and let people know the difference that it made. Try different ways of doing this including using the media. Don’t forget to log the outcomes on Ask Me! - Consultation Planner and Finder

LEARN LESSONS TO IMPROVE PRACTICE NEXT TIME

Evaluate what you did, what went well, what the people you consulted thought of your consultation what would you improve or change next time. Share this with others in the Council, email your consultation details to Claire Bloss or Sophie Gilkes