Quick Guide to Effective Public Consultation

Public consultation is more than a procedural checkbox—when done well, it's a powerful investment that strengthens policy decisions, builds stakeholder trust, and ensures better outcomes. But how do you design a consultation process that genuinely engages people and delivers meaningful insights?

This practical guide cuts through the complexity of public consultation, helping you plan and execute consultation processes that add real value to your policy development. From deciding when consultation is necessary to designing effective discussion documents and managing tight timeframes, this resource provides the essential framework for consultation success.

This resource is designed for policy advisors, project managers, communications specialists, and anyone responsible for stakeholder engagement. Whether you're planning your first consultation or refining your approach, this guide provides practical tips to ensure your consultation process is well-planned, well-executed, and delivers the insights you need for sound policy decisions.