We need a better understanding of consultation Best Practice

Hence the new FOUR FUNCTIONS FRAMEWORK which is the synthesis of a thorough analysis of hundreds of public and stakeholder consultations.

It is based on the premise that we have all paid rather more attention to the form of a consultation than the function it performs. It recognises that consultation is now used in a far greater variety of situations than before, and we use far more methods to hold consultative dialogues – many of them exciting innovations like Citizens Assemblies, Co-production or Online focus groups.

Read or Download the full Background Document here

Book a Briefing

For 2026, Rhion Jones provides a range of supporting Briefings:- 

Online Outline Briefing:  Typically 40-60 minutes and designed ideally for 5-15 participants - explaining the fundamentals of the FOUR FUNCTIONS FRAMEWORK and how it might apply to an organisation - moving away from over-dependence of traditional, Gunning-compliant, options-led consultations and towards more agile flexible methods.

Online Executive Briefing: Tailored for in-house teams and geared to specific organisational needs, this is aimed at Senior Managers or Directors seeking to optimise their use of consultative processes across a range of functions or businesses.

The Full Briefing: Delivered in person as a comprehensive (and entertaining) walk-through the Background document, illustrating the characteristics, methodologies and issues relating to NAVIGATION, EXPLORATION, DELIBERATION and IMPLEMENTATION functions. Designed to inspire and assist teams of consultation  practitioners and thematic specialists with examples and interactive input.

To discuss your requirements, contact Rhion by email to rhion@ rhion.com or consultationguruuk@gmail.com

What public engagement specialists say about the FOUR FUNCTIONS FRAMEWORK.

(Temporary section - pending approval from authors!)

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"balanced, well-reasoned and thought-provoking"

                                      (AN Other, XXXX Company)

"... a very well-written and expertly-informed piece of work"                           (AN Other, XXX Consultancy)

"I think the four functions could be verty helpful ... to help officials clarify what they're trying to achieve..."

(Senior Researcher at a Public body)