The process makes a difference and the decision has not already been made.
The process takes place at the right point in the policy making or decision making cycle.
The process has a clear question — or set of questions — to address, with a range of possible solutions.
The scope for making a difference to the decision is explicitly declared at the start and things that are out of scope or cannot be changed are clearly outlined.
Where there is a clear and obvious decision maker they are sincere in their willingness to be open-minded and make a public commitment to consider and respond in detail to the decision or recommendation
Processes should be coordinated to ensure policy coherence, avoid duplication and reduce the risk of engagement fatigue.
| Questions you should ask yourself to see if you meet this standard: | |
|---|---|
| 1 | Where there are obvious decision-makers, are they genuinely willing to consider different outcomes? |
| 2 | Is the process taking place at the right point in the policy making or decision making cycle where it can still influence the outcome? |
| 3 | Is there a clear question or set of questions that the process will address, and have these been communicated openly with the participants? |
| 4 | Is there a plan to evaluate the effectiveness of the process in making a difference to the decision(s)? |