Time set aside for design of consultation document.

Consulted interested parties to secure co-operation prior to publication of consultation document.

Let interested parties know about the likely timing of different forms of consultation to supplement the consultation document.

Set aside sufficient resources for the consultation.

The document explains which people and groups the consultation is aimed at.

Inclusion of an assessment of the impact of the proposals on groups likely to be particularly affected.

Document checked to assess whether a Regulatory Assessment/ Environmental Appraisal should be included.

The document makes clear which parts of the United Kingdom it relates to.

The document is clear about any aspects of an issue on which decisions have been taken, or are inevitable.

Document includes deadline for responses and timetable envisaged.

Representative groups have been asked to give a summary of the people and organisations they represent when they respond.

Document makes clear that responses may be made public unless confidentiality is specified.

The document includes a two-page summary

Document is drafted in plain language and not too glossy or elaborate.

The document sets out the main information and competing arguments relevant to a decision.

A questionnaire has been included setting out key questions.

E-mail as well as postal address given for responses.

Paragraphs identified by numbers or letters.

Contact given who can respond to consultees questions.

Person identified who will pursue complaints or comments about the consultation process.

A check has been carried out to ensure that the consultation is joined up within or across departments.

Consideration has been given to targeting the consultation through umbrella bodies (eg trade and business organisations).

The document has been made widely available (eg effective communication with all interested, including rest of public sector).

Press release or similar announcement made about the consultation.

Document made available free of charge in paper form or on a website.

Different methods of publicity considered eg targeting publications; mailings, e-mail notices.

Consideration given to effectively reaching all groups.

A consultation period of at least 12 weeks has been given, and where this was not possible, an explanation provided and special measures taken to ensure consultation is still effective.

A provisional view has been taken on dealing with requests for deadlines to be extended.

Responses to consultations have been acknowledged.

Responses analysed for: possible new approaches to the question; evidence of impact of the proposals; levels of support among particular groups.

Full accounts as possible kept of both formal and informal responses.

Decisions in the light of consultation made promptly, with a summary of views expressed.

Clear reasons for rejecting options given.

Explanation given to respondents asking why individual proposals have been rejected.

Consideration given to a short consultation on significant new issues raised.

Individual responses made available to anyone who asks (unless those individuals or organisations have requested confidentiality).

The Dept’s/agency’s ‘consultation co-ordinator’ has ensured that the code is complied with.

Procedures are in place to monitor and evaluate the consultation.

Ensure the monitoring and evaluation feeds into the annual statistical and qualitative assessments of Departmental consultations.