Code of Practice and Guidance
The Code of Practice on Consultation was drawn up in response to lobbying from businesses and consumer bodies who wanted minimum standards in Consultation.
The Better Regulation Executive (BRE) has produced guidance to help anyone carrying out, or taking part in, a government Consultation.
Code of Practice
The Code of Practice has improved the way departments consult. For example, Consultation exercises should now last at least 12 weeks. Policy-makers must also provide feedback following Consultation exercises.
The Code, and the criteria within it, apply to public Consultations issued by central government departments and agencies, including those on EU directives.
The Code should be used with the consultation guidance.
- Code of practice on consultation
(188KB)
Consultation guidance
The guidance should be used in conjunction with the Code of Practice on Consultation.
It is designed to:
- guide policy officials and Consultation respondents through the process
- give more information on the principles of good practice outlined in the Code of Practice
- advise policy officials and respondents on carrying out best practice Consultation.
The guidance will also help any representatives of UK non-departmental public bodies, independent regulators and local authorities who are looking for advice on running a Consultation exercise.
Get in touch
If you cannot find the information you need in the guide, or if you have any comments about how we could improve it, please contact Ian Ascough at BRE.
Phone: 020 7215 0149
Email: ian.ascough@berr.gsi.gov.uk