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Last Updated: 19/1/2007
3.3 Ensure that the consultation documents are available … with the fullest use of electronic means.
Code of Practice on Consultation, Criterion 3, p.8
More and more Departments are finding that e-consultation is an easy and effective way of consulting their stakeholders. e-consultation can take many forms: from simple 'tick-box' questionnaires to full reproductions of your paper written consultation document to interactive quizzes and 'gaming' style formats.
There is now a wide range of e-consultation 'tool-kits' on the market. You will have to decide which is best for your own purposes, according to the resources you have available and factors such as whether you want to install a tool-kit for long-term use in your Department, or as a 'one-off' for a large, far-reaching consultation.
3.5 Respondents should be able to respond electronically if they choose. Produce documents in electronic formats appropriate to achieving wide accessibility. Consider the range of electronic response methods to ensure that providing a response is simple, engages a broad range of people and encourages deliberation…
Code of Practice on Consultation, Criterion 3, p.8
e-consultation can bring a number of benefits:
You should also be aware that despite the prevalence of the internet and IT facilities, not all respondents will have access to these. You must ensure that respondents are not only able to print off hard copies from the web, but can also receive hard copies of the consultation document by post where necessary. Publicise the availability of hard copies through other media where appropriate.
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