The 13 Step Consultative Process

The following 13 principles for consultation are used as guidelines to underpin our commitment to maintaining the highest consultation standards within our business:

   1. Consultation will be used where it has the potential to lead to change, not just for the sake of it.
   2. We would work with our stakeholders to ensure that good practice is shared as much as possible and to avoid any duplication of consultation efforts.
   3. Consultation will be carried out in a relevant, friendly and meaningful way that encourages participation, and is an open and honest two-way dialogue. Expertise Events recognises that consultation and involvement is an ongoing process, not a one-off event.
   4. Expertise Events will attempt to ensure that consultation takes place at the earliest appropriate stage and before any firm proposals are agreed to.
   5. Consultation exercises will be undertaken as much as possible in realistic time frames and if for any reason, such as short notice, an explanation will be given.
   6. By working in advance we will identify explanations and terms of reference prior to the consultation exercise, to ensure a clear understanding from the outset that takes into account what is negotiable and what is not and who are the relevant stakeholders.
   7. The needs of specialist groups/stakeholders will be taken into account wherever possible.
   8. The opinions, beliefs, values and experiences of all stakeholders will be respected. Differing views will be recognised and consideration will be given in advance to manage conflict and differing opinions.
   9. Existing consultation networks, forums and groups will be used as much as possible, but we are committed to adopting new and innovative ways of consulting where they have shown to be effective, e.g. information technology.
  10. Expertise Events will consider potential barriers to involvement such as time, methods used, location and also consider methods to overcome these in our consultation process.
  11. The results of consultation that have taken place will be detailed in a report.
  12. Timely and honest feedback will be given to those involved in the consultation process and it will be made clear how the results from the consultation have been incorporated into the decision making process.
  13. Expertise Events will evaluate the success of consultation initiatives and use this to inform and improve future exercises and ensure resources are spent and used wisely.