Citizen
Time (***)
Can using E-technology reduce the time it takes to read documents and make submissions in consultations?
Cost (***)
What sort of resources are needed to engage in E-consultations in terms of cost? Where can I find out this type of information?
Engagement (***)
Many public consultations are a one-way process in terms of engagment - I make a submission and the authority does not reply to it - can e-technology be used to ensure that my views are being listened to? Is it reasonable to expect going into a consultation process the degree of influence my opinions will have on the final decision/policy outcome?
Case studies (***)
Where can I learn about engaging in E-consultation processes?
Participation ()
Is it possible to identify the degree or type of participation that I will have when I'm engaging in consultation? Should I expect to directly influence outcomes from the process? Can E-technology make the process more accountable and transparent for me? Can E-technology make participation in consultation easier to access?
Skills (**)
What skills or technical knowledge do I need in order to engage in E-consultation? Where can I get these skills/knowledge?
Usability (***)
Are technologies and software difficult to use? Will I need to have expertise of computers, etc. before I can engage in E-consultation? Where can I get easy to follow instructions on how to use the technologies? Where can I get a glossary of the technical terms involved?
Results (***)
Will E-technology allow me to monitor the results of the consultation in transparent way? Will it allow me to see what happened to my submission? Can I comment on the final decision that is taken?
Benefits (***)
How does engaging in E-consultation benefit me as a citizen? What are the benefits of using E-technologies over more traditional methods?
What is e-consultation (***)
What exactly is 'consultation' and 'E-consultation'? What is the difference between the two?
Resources (***)
What resources do I need in order to engage in E-consultation - in terms of money, access to tecnology, knowledge?
Relationships (***)
What exactly is the relationship between me, the facilitator, and the consulter? What can I expect from the consulter and the facilitator when I engage in consultation?
FAQ (***)
There are a number of issues - including an explanation of some of the technical terms used in consultation and E-consultation - that I will need to know. Where can I get information on these issues?
Promotion (**)
Why e-consultation (***)
What are the benefits to me in using E-consultation and E-technology?
Guidelines ()
Public consultation can be a contentious business, paticularly on issues of trust/transparency/accountibility, between the consulter and the consultee. Is it possible to access a 'best practice' guide that outlines what I, the citizen, can expect/demand from the consultation process, as well as its outcomes?
Translation ()
Is it possible for me - with little technical knowledge - to match the appropriate technologies with the kind of consultation I am engaging in?
Stages (***)
Would it be possible for me to know where exactly in the policy-making process my involvement will take place? Is it at the agenda setting, formulation, or implementation stage?
Security (**)
Consultation can involve the divulging of sensitive information? What can be done to ensure that information is secure?
Process change (**)
In practical terms, how does the use of E-technology change how I engage in public consultation?
Technology (***)
Where can I get information on the technology and technical knowledge that I will need in order to engage in E-consultation?
Transparency ()
How can E-technology improve the transparency of public consultation? Where can I find actual examples of where this has happened?