How to Consult

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Last revised: 22 September 2008

This definately needs to be read through

2 Minute Guide to How to Consult



This explains issues involving the Policy unit.  If you would like any more information on Consutation or any other Policy issues please get in contact with the Policy unit.

Other 2 minute guides to:

  • Comprehensive Performance Assessment

  • Best Value

  • Performance Indicators

Consultation is carried out to find what people think and want from the authority: to measure our performance and to show us where we can improve.

Process for Consultation

Have a clear idea of why you want to consult e.g. To gain opinion on a new service or to inform a Best Value Review.

Specify the group of people you want to consult e.g. Staff voluntary organisations 'hard to reach' groups such as young people.

State the precise objectives of the consulation e.g. Measure satisfaction levels, show room for improvement.

See whether:

  • The information is already available.
    To do this log onto Kennect and go to the Policy Section.  Under Consultation is a list of completed and current consultations.

  • Partners have carried out the consultation or if they would be interested in a joint

Add a new record of the consultation on Kennect

Set a timescale that is convenient to consultees and ensures the gretest response e.g  If consulting tourists the greatest response would be in the summer.

Determine which method or methods shoudl be used to best obtain the information e.g Questionnaires (face to face) telephone or postal) Open days In depth interviews, Focus group etc.

Publicise the consultation stating its purpose, how to get involved and how the information supplied will be used to make decisions.

Carry out the consultation and record the results.

Update the consultation record on Kennect with the results.

Evaluate the consultation

Ensure that the consultation is actively used to make decisions and inform policy.

Ensure that those consulted are given feedback on results and the decisions that were made e.g. through letters.  Kennet news, posters, website.

Further information

How to Consult a detailed document on every aspect of consultation and our Consultation Strategy can be found on the policy section of Kennect or on the Kennet Website.