The UK's most authoritative champion of public
& stakeholder consultation
Rhion Jones was a Founder Director of The Consultation Institute and has written extensively on all aspects of public consultation. His entertaining presentations and stimulating training courses have assisted thousands of public engagement professionals and enhanced their career prospects.
Recent Blogs
22 June
The Power of the ‘collective voice’; Will Burnham stop the abolition of Healthwatch?
8 June
How LB of Ealing successfully defended a consultation challenged by campaigners
26 May
If service change consultations reveal so much opposition, why do people vote for ‘CHANGE’ so often?
9 May
Mixed Messages for local Government
24 April
“You said! We did!” Is it always the right consultation outcome?
15 April
After the May Elections. Will Council consultations remain 'business as usual'?
10 April
If you REALLY want to tackle ‘consultation culture’ in Government, THIS is how you do it.
31 March
Ministers to ‘rip-up’ its consultation culture. Wishful thinking or Stroke of genius?
19 March
Trump’s ‘failure to consult’ may cost him dearly – and tell us much about consultation !
27 February
Five consultation Takeaways from NSIP Forum 2026
23 February
Consultation Governance – the three fundamentals
11 February
Delayed launch of a consultation - a blessing in disguise?
26 January
Should OFSTED’s schools assessment consultation have been declared lawful ?
9 January
If they consulted better with stakeholders, would there be fewer U-turns?
30 December
New thoughts on New towns for New Year: a more consultative approach?
22 December
Consult ... all ye faithful! Seasons Greetings from the Consultation GuRU
28 November
14 November
Would a formal pre-Budget Consultation have been better?
27 October
Third Heathrow runway prompts a typical Parliamentary response
30 September
Why we are all now on ‘Neighbourhood' Watch
26 September
What to do if your consultation is flawed?
15 September
Welsh Rugby’s difficult options:
who exactly are the key stakeholders?
20 August
Denying opponents the right to be heard; a new Canterbury Tale!
Running Commentary
1 June
Concerned that Ministers have selectively 'leaked' consultation output data on the social media access for children issue. Just posted my misgivings on LinkedIn
31 March.
The day the government announced it was going to 'rip-up' the consultation culture! See my immediate response HERE
16 February
I have re-posted last week's Blog on the proposed ban on young people using social media(which I rarely do) having heard MInister Liz Kendall tell Radio 4 that she intends to announce her proposals almost immediately after it closes. This timetable won't work
8 February
I have circulated the FEBRUARY Consultation Catch-up this afternoon; it will be on LinkedIn on Monday. See it here
15 January;
Just recorded a short video explaining the FOUR FUNCTIONS FRAMEWORK in 90 seconds. Click here to find the video.
7 January
This month's Consultation Catch-up newsletter was published this afternoon. See it here
2 January 2026
Just announced the three types of Briefings I am offering for the FOUR FUNCTIONS FRAMEWORK. Click here
Alongside Elizabeth Gammell he wrote The Art of Consultation in 2008 and The Politics of Consultation in 2018. Both books are available at AMAZON.
His thought-leadership pieces, particlarly on Consultation Law are universally regarded as the most authoritative anywhere.
With thousands of significant consultations launched every year in the UK, and even more in other countries, Rhion applies his forensic skills and extensive knowledge to specific exercises. There is no-one better to advise on the quality of a consultation. Just ask.st ask
Now, post-COVID, he is able to travel to meet those who share his passion for public engagement. Alternatively, he uses zoom, though confesses to be frustrated by some aspects of an online presence!
His focus is on spreading the word, and inspiring individuals and organisations with the message that consultation and engagement matters more than ever - and must be done to the best possible standards.
The Monthly Consultation Catch-up
