What is consultation?

Consultation is a process of dialogue leading to a decision. Consultation involves seeking opinions on options before decisions are reached, seeking to increase the involvement of local people, communities, businesses and the voluntary sector in important decisions that may impact on them. The main aim of consultation is to listen to and learn from local people and communities. 

Public participation is a statutory requirement but it is also more than that. It has become an integral part of our everyday functioning which aims to provide services which are more responsive to people’s needs and to also promote a democratic process which encourages local people to have an influence in matters that concern them directly. 

Our research team carries out a range of consultation work both corporately and also on behalf of individual service areas. Consultation is carried out using quantitative and qualitative methods, including our e-panel.