Agencies are often unclear about the differences between informing communities and consulting them. This concern is underlined by a lack of adequate time being given to community groups for proper consultation. Adequate time for genuine consultation must be built into all policy development work if the process is to be in any way meaningful. In addition, there is a need to recognise the diversity of community groups and to develop a range of methods of consultation that allow different community voices to be heard. Statutory bodies need to be imaginative about how they gather views from community groups.
Many agencies are overly concerned with obtaining 'the' community view on issues.
This can actually serve to further exclude the most marginalised sections of the community. Feedback to those consulted, and the public in general, is essential, and needs to be done on a more regular basis than is currently the norm. Communities need to believe that their views can make a difference and the outcomes of consultation processes should be fed back to them. Recommendations All public sector bodies, as well as the private and voluntary sector, should seek to maximise user participation and involvement in the decision-making and governance of their organisations. All public sector bodies should develop new approaches to community consultation.