3.3

 

Potential methods

The Scottish Government’s Good Practice Guidance on consultation with equalities groups outlines two main means of consulting with equalities groups:

  • written methods  - such as written consultations, questionnaires, comment cards and circulating papers for comment.
  • face-to-face methods – such as meetings, events, citizens panels and juries, steering groups, workshops and discussion groups, one-to-one interviews and telephone contact. 

The method you choose will very much depend on who you are trying to engage, what you want to find out, and the time and resources you have. 

When you should engage is also an important question for you to consider.  Where possible, you should try and engage equalities groups early in your planning process, even if only for an initial discussion.