E-consultancy issues guidance on how to use digital channels to boost participation in public consultations (E-consultation)

Released on = September 16, 2004, 8:49 am

Press Release Author = E-consultancy.com

Press Release Summary = This report explores opportunities in extending public
consultations by using interactive channel (the web, wireless and DiTV).

Includes a full appraisal of the various techniques that can be used to generate and
log public discussion, as were discussed at the roundtable event.

Press Release Body = E-consultancy, a publisher of best practice reports for the
internet industry, has released a new guide to help increase participation in public
consultations.

The report, based on feedback from a recent roundtable on ‘E-consultation’,
addresses the need to enhance traditional consultations, where less than one in
twenty affected individuals normally takes the time to submit feedback outlining
their concerns or ideas.

There is a major opportunity to use interactive channels – the web, mobile and
interactive TV – to boost participation levels. By allowing people to respond via
the channel that suits them best, an increase in response rates is virtually
guaranteed.

The key ways of using digital to harness response are:

• Forums and message boards. Roundtable attendees had experienced great success with
message boards, which have contributed as much as 50% of all comments in real
consultations.

• SMS and email alerts are an excellent way of furthering participation and
discussion.

• Rich media tools can play a part in the storytelling process, so be sure to
provide audio and video files. Rich media can also help disabled individuals learn
about the project.

• Games are a great way of helping people understand the various choices that they
are facing, to allow them to make informed decisions.

• Online polls and questionnaires are easy to configure and cost effective (much
cheaper than sending market researchers into the high street).

• Blogs allow people to chronicle their views over the duration of a consultation,
while also encouraging other participants to comment on entries.

• Digital storytelling. Kiosks can be set up to capture feedback, or, people with
access to webcams can contribute remotely. The BBC has proved that this is a viable
means of capturing the views of the public.

• Webcasts. Offline meetings can be streamed live and archived for people to tune
into at a later date.

Roundtable attendees unanimously agreed that these channels should not replace
face-to-face surveys and town hall meetings, but digital should be used to
complement the traditional consultation process.

The major advantages of using E-consultation tools are increased reach, visibility
and transparency, cost efficiencies, speed and accessibility.

More information can be found in E-consultancy’s exclusive guide to E-consultation:
http://www.e-consultancy.com/publications/e-consultation/. The roundtable focused on
property consultations, but the digital tools suggested can be used to power all
kinds of E-consultations.

The UK government has published guidelines on best practice for public
consultations: http://www.dfes.gov.uk/consultations/cop.cfm?codeId

Web Site = http://www.e-consultancy.com/publications/e-consultation/

Contact Details = w: http://www.e-consultancy.com
e: info@e-consultancy.com
m: 85 clerkenwell road, london ec1r 5ar
t: 0044 207 071 8612