NEWS & BLOGS

We hosted the Consultation Institute Coffee Morning on Thursday 8 October and there was a lively discussion about the correct format of consultation documents to ensure they are accessible and meet legal duties. We’ve gone away and done some extra research to produce this guidance for engagement and consultation practitioners. Let’s start with some basics, before summarising what various regulations and guidance say before giving you information that will help you make decisi

Surveys may be easy to measure, but they rarely capture the depth, emotion and context that make engagement meaningful. It is important that they are supported with "boots on the ground" outreach engagement – both face to face and online. By focusing on genuine dialogue rather than response counts alone, organisations can gather richer insights, build trust, improve decision-making and deliver outcomes that better reflect the experiences of the people they serve.

An exploration of the complex relationship between AI and writing, considering that while AI can be a useful tool for organising ideas and improving clarity, it cannot replicate the human emotion, judgement and authenticity that make writing truly impactful. It highlights the importance of the human touch in engagement, and considers the growing need for transparency around AI use, particularly in public consultation and engagement where trust and accountability are essential

The under-16s social media ban: a moment to reflect on how we reach young people. This morning the Prime Minister announced that social media platforms - including Snapchat, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and X - will be off-limits to under-16s in the UK, with the ban due to come into force by spring 2027. Messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Signal, along with YouTube Kids, are not included. A mixed response to the social media ban On one level, this is a clear, decisiv

From the doorstep politics of Makerfield to national leadership contenders, this blog reflects on what Starmer, Streeting and Burnham’s records say about their commitment to community voice, consultation and meaningful engagement.

A tour through the jargon of engagement that shows how lived experience, listening, consultation and co production all fit together — and why doing them openly, respectfully and accessibly is what really counts.