This section builds on this and deals specifically with the formal consultation period which often precedes a final decision and should involve the issue of a written consultation document. In particular it looks at planning the formal consultation, provides a best practice template for a consultation document developed from the Cabinet Office guidance and outlines the process of analysing responses, taking account of best practice guidance from Northern Ireland and beyond.
In Workbook One we looked at the importance of consultation and the need to develop a consultation plan at the outset of the policy process. It highlighted that consultation should be a continuous process that needs to be started early in the policy.
Effective Policy Making - Workbook Five - From Consultation to Announcement