Consulting and engaging with the public

Does your organisation ever need to consult with the public on proposals that will change the way local services are delivered, or have a major impact on their local community?

In any public consultation, it’s vital to ensure that the people affected are properly informed about what is being proposed and why, and that they are given ample opportunity to express their views.

We have extensive experience in advising public bodies on how best to undertake consultations that will get the key messages across as clearly as possible, explain why the changes are being proposed, and facilitate dialogue with all the parties with an interest in the outcome.

As well as helping to design the overall framework for the consultation, we will write and produce the materials used to communicate the proposals, including the main consultation document, summary versions for different stakeholder groups, leaflets, news releases and advertisements.

Of course, public engagement is not simply about what happens during formal consultation exercises. It is also about the way in which, on an on-going basis, an organisation seeks to obtain the views and input of the public about its services and activities. It means facilitating effective two-way communication to ensure a smooth and consistent flow of information and ideas.

To discuss how you could improve your arrangements for engaging with the public you serve, please contact Paul Castle on 0121-765 4222.