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Last Updated: 19/1/2007
2. Be clear about what your proposals are, who may be affected, what questions are being asked and the timescale for responses. Criterion 2, Code of Practice on Consultation, p.7
Your consultation will be more successful if you take time to scope your topic thoroughly and identify key stakeholders early on. Find out as much as you can about other consultations and research into similar topics carried out by other policy teams or Government Departments. This will give you an insight into some of the issues and obstacles you may encounter through the course of your own consultation. It will also ensure that you do not repeat work being carried out by other Government Departments.
If you find that another Department is intending to carry out consultation or research similar to your own project, you should work together, wherever possible, to conduct a joint consultation. Joint consultation exercises ensure more efficient use of departmental resources and make better use of respondent's time.
Other policy officials may also be able to provide you with contacts in key stakeholder organisations, although it is important to bear the Data Protection Act in mind. Meeting with representatives from a core group of stakeholders early on will help you to: