Improving consultation

Define the purpose

• Explain the reason for the consultation.
• Explain how the information gained will be used.
• Get people’s agreement.

Be guided by principles

• Be guided by a commitment to make the right decision for the community. Principles might include:
– desire to maximise positive impact of a decision
– maintaining culture
– ensuring a decision is sustainable
– complying with legal requirements

Be inclusive

• Consult with the whole community—that means all interest groups, taking account of language, culture, age, gender, diversity of interests and rights.

Choose the best method

• Get local people to participate in the design and coordination of the consultation process.
• Use language and concepts which everyone can understand.
Provide enough information
• Make information available so that people can make an informed choice or provide thoughtful comment.

Allow plenty of time

• Allow enough time to consult thoroughly.

Allow enough resources

• Make sure you have enough resources (money, expertise, people) to properly consult.

Consult regularly

• Consult members and the community regularly, not just when you have to.
• Consult people not only about controversial issues, but also about priorities and strategic direction.

Be responsive

• Respond to all issues raised.
• Make sure the process is transparent so that everyone knows what is being discussed and with whom.
• Give feedback about the final decision.

Evaluate the process

• Evaluate the consultation process after the decision has been made to assess whether it achieved the goals.

—adapted from Excellence in Governance for Local Government, CPA Australia.