The Consultation Code of Practice Criteria

The DTI follows the Cabinet Office code of practice on consultations. We want to know when we are not meeting these standards or other ways which we could do better in our approach to consultations.

1. Consult widely throughout the process, allowing a minimum of 12 weeks for written consultation at least once during the development of the policy.

2. Be clear about what your proposals are, who may be affected, what questions are being asked and the timescale for responses.

3. Ensure that your consultation is clear, concise and widely accessible.

4. Give feedback regarding the responses received and how the consultation process influenced the policy.

5. Monitor your department’s effectiveness at consultation, including through the use of a designated consultation coordinator.

6. Ensure your consultation follows better regulation best practice, including carrying out a Regulatory Impact Assessment if appropriate.

The complete code is available on the Cabinet Office’s web site, address

http://www.cabinet-office.gov.uk/servicefirst/index/consultation.htm

Comments or complaints

If you wish to comment on the conduct of a consultation or make a complaint about the way a consultation has been conducted, please contact:

Nick Van Benschoten
DTI Consultation Co-ordinator
Room 723,
1 Victoria Street
London
SW1H 0ET

Tel. 020 7215 6206
Email. Nick.Vanbenschoten@dti.gsi.gov.uk