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Avoid common pitfalls and legal challenges to navigate public consultations with confidence

Anticipating a sensitive public consultation? This training is your passport to navigating the legal intricacies of public engagement. From the Five Strands of Consultation Law to real-life case studies, we equip comms teams with the insights and strategies needed to consult confidently and lead impactful dialogues. This training will help you steer clear of potential pitfalls and empower you in the planning and execution of public consultations and community engagements.

Here’s what you can expect to learn…

Workshops

Five Strands of Consultation Law

A comprehensive framework that ensures that consultations are conducted within the boundaries of the law, including specific Statutory Requirements, Equality Law, Environmental Law, Information Access, and Common Law.

Reports

Legal Challenges & Judicial Reviews

Learn how to identify, assess, and mitigate potential concerns that may arise during and after the consultation process. Minimise the risks associated with potential legal challenges and the scrutiny of judicial reviews.

Surveys

Case Studies & Examples

Explore real-world examples of each of the five strands and relevant case law that sets out consultation precedents, with examples of why each consultation was deemed unlawful or not.

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The Doctrine of Legitimate Expectation

Identify and manage stakeholders' expectations to build and maintain trust throughout the consultation process. Learn to anticipate potential issues and proactively address expectations.

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The Gunning Principles

Explore the four Gunning Principles, which outline the standards for fair and meaningful public participation: from sufficient information to adequate time, consideration of responses, feedback influence, and potentially a fifth principle.

About your trainer

Rhion Jones is the co-founder of The Consultation Institute and has been monitoring consultation case law since 2008. He has published 50+ commentaries on specific judicial reviews and delivered over 100 courses on the Law of Consultation. Rhion currently provides government and C-suite advice and guidance under his trading name, The Consultation Guru.

 

For a practical understanding of the legal landscape surrounding public consultations, how to minimise the risk of legal challenges, and practical guidance on running or commissioning a successful consultation…

 

Client Feedback

The course offered valuable insights into the nuances of consultation law and was extremely interesting, engaging, and informative.

Rhion is not only knowledgeable and passionate, but also very approachable. He created a relaxed environment where participants felt comfortable asking questions and contributing to discussions.

I left the course feeling much more confident in my understanding of consultation law and how to apply it effectively in practice. I wouldn’t hesitate recommending it to others working in consultation.

Tom Wilsenham Research & Consultation Team BCP Council

It was a really helpful exercise for me as someone who works on formal consultation projects for local government and also a lot of non-statutory and informal engagement in the private sector. I now understand the clear differences, and the body of knowledge, law, custom and practice that underpins them.

Kevin Rye Kevin Rye Consulting

I attended the Westco Law of Consultation course as I was keen to ensure my skills and knowledge were up to date to protect my and Westco’s clients. The course delivered more than I had hoped for. Rhion brought to life the Gunning Principles in a fun and informative way, drawing on his extensive experience and use of case law. I came away from the event feeling empowered and confident to advise and challenge. Thank you for inviting me along - it was awesome.

Holly Bremner HB Comms

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