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Last Updated: 19/1/2007
Think carefully about practical requirements for some stakeholders, particularly when organising informal consultation events. Failing to recognise these may result in a poor response from specific groups or in a breakdown of trust between them and your policy team.
Ensure that any venue you use has is accessible for disabled consultees and has adequate easy access facilities. Make sure that the stakeholders you are consulting will be comfortable in the venue you choose. For some disabled or elderly people it may be more appropriate to conduct consultation exercises with small groups at local schools or community centres, or even to visit them in their own homes.
The General Social Care Council (GSSC) held a series of regional events to consult on new codes of practice for social care. A wide cross-section of delegates were able to contribute to each meeting, from service users, carers and social care workers to social services directors. Crucially, service users were also consulted in their own homes and at special focus groups in local schools, clubs and day centres. Over 15,000 people visited the GSSC consultation website and around 10,000 consultation packs were sent out.
Visit the General Social Care Council website to find out more about this consultation.
Be aware of religious festivals and community events when planning consultation events. Ask stakeholder groups about any key dates you should avoid.
If you are providing lunch or refreshments for consultees, be aware that some of them may have special dietary requirements. Blind delegates may also require refreshments for guide dogs.
Ensure that you have enough interpreters and/or signers available to facilitate focus meetings and conferences with non-English speakers or deaf people.
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