Annex D: Code of Practice on Written Consultation - Consultation criteria
Code of Practice on Written Consultation:
Consultation criteria
The Code of Practice on written consultation, issued by the Cabinet Office calls for these criteria to apply to all national public consultations and states that they should be reproduced in consultation documents:
Consult widely throughout the process, allowing a minimum of 12 weeks for written consultation at least once during the development of the policy.
Be clear about what your proposals are, who may be affected, what questions are being asked and the timescale for responses.
Ensure that your consultation is clear, concise and widely accessible.
Give feedback regarding the responses received and how the consultation process influenced the policy.
Departments should monitor their effectiveness at consultation, including through the use of a designated consultation co-ordinator.
Ensure your consultation follows better regulation best practice, including carrying out a Regulatory Impact Assessment if appropriate.
A full version of the Code of Practice can be found at:
http://www.cabinet-office.gov.uk/regulation/consultation/
