30-11-2012, 06:17 PM
Three Phase Model of Consultation
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What is 'Consultation'?
Most people have an idea what is meant by the word ‘consultation’. However putting the image in our heads into words is difficult. Part of the difficulty with the 'consultation process' is defining what 'consultation' actually means. The Concise Oxford English Dictionary gives the following definition.
consult v. 1. have deliberations (with person, or abs.). 2. seek information or advice from (person, book, one's watch, etc.); take into consideration (feelings, interests);consultation n. act of consulting; deliberation; conference
consultation involves seeking the views of others regarding an issue which affects them. What constitutes an ‘issue which affects’ should be defined in the most sensitive and conservative manner possible.
Any development in an area will affect some people. By implication, the motivation behind consultation is to seek agreement with people regarding plans that impinge upon them regardless of whether the plan is to their advantage or disadvantage.
Ultimately, it is for the people affected, and not the change agent, to decide whether or not a particular plan is beneficial.
Phase I - Negotiation
A meeting could then be held to present the desired plans in detail. The change agent must take care to honestly inform residents fully of the impact of a proposed development.
If the plans are accepted without question by those affected, the change agent should be weary. Unquestioning acceptance does not mean that the changes can go ahead in the knowledge that there will be no future opposition.
The change agent must reflect on the merits of the communication of the plans – was it effective? Clear? Concise? Were the plans explained in full?
Was it presented to the appropriate audience?
What initial reactions were presented at the meeting?
As a result of these problems, some kind of follow-up must carried out either in the form of a written questionnaire or through an additional meeting (preferable).
Consultation Principles
No new development can be beyond the consultation process. For example, the fact that people will not live in car parks does not mean people will not have views on the size and location of these.
Accurate and detailed information must be provided to residents concerning the every element of the proposed plans, how each element interacts with or affects each other, how each element affects everyone concerned (individuals/Community Groups/Businesses) and that this is done before final agreements are made.
Existing residents in an area where a development is proposed must be contacted first before any designs are considered. A process of negotiation with these residents (or representatives), the relevant Forum, Task Force and the planner should take place in order to find a balance between the planners needs and the concerns of the residents. Thereafter, every resident affected by the development, either in the area or otherwise affected, should be informed of the proposed development and allowed the opportunity to have their concerns accounted for in the plans.
All negotiations regarding the information, as above, on the plans must be done
in an open, transparent and accountable manner and in utmost good faith.
The views of residents and community groups must be actively incorporated into the plans on the basis of a negotiated consensus before final planning decisions are made. The impact of resident’s etc. views on plans should be readily available for inspection