NGO
What is e-consultation? E-consultation is the use of electronic computing and communication technologies in consultation processes and is complimentary to existing practices. To find out more please visit http://www.e-consultation.org/
Why e-consultation?
E-consultation has value added in terms of the time, costs, participation rates, engagement levels and dissemination processes associated with completing a successful consultation. The use of Information communication technologies (ICT) can facilitate a number of tasks 1) information transfer. 2) dialogue support, 3) problem exploration and solving, 4) measurement of needs and preferences, 5) joint document writing. Within this guide you will find detailed explanation of the nature of the benefits with accompanying examples.
Examples (Trials)
E-consultation is currently in a development phase on the island of Ireland. This section outlines four examples of ongoing e-consultations and you can use the links below to learn more. These four pilots are with Waterways Ireland, The Wheel, the North South Educational Exchange (NSEC) and the Northern Ireland Youth forum. Via their websites these groups have used a range of e-techniques to consult with their members. The groups have used ICT to create on-line surveys, e-forums, e-newsletters and electronic voting. In all cases these techniques have been used in conjunction with traditional methods.
Why not use these links to find out more?
http://waterways.e-consultation.org/
http://wheel.e-consultation.org
http://nsec.e-consultation.org
http://youth.e-consultation.org
Useful Links
Good Practice
http://www.sdublincoco.ie/index.aspx?pageid=1000
http://www.cavancoco.ie/cccws/templates/general/tge_index.aspx?str_ID=227
http://www.meath.ie/community/websites.html
http://www.bristol-city.gov.uk
Time (***)
What are the time savings in using E-technology? How long should a online consultation last for?
Cost (**)
Lack of resources is a big concern for groups in entering any consulations. How much will it cost in terms of finance, personnel, expertise?
Engagement (***)
What level of engagement does consulation constitute in terms of the overall policy-making process? What is the best way to engagement with government in consulation without leaving my organisation open to accusations of co-option? Can e-technology make it easier for me to keep my own network of members informed on relevant issues/
Case studies (***)
Where could I find examples of where e-consultation has been used in different ways?
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 do I need in order to engage in e-consultation?Where can I get training?
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 it be easy for me to be able to report back to my members on the outcomes/results of engagement in an e-consultation?
Benefits (*)
What are the benefits to my organisation in using e-technology?
What is e-consultation (***)
In the interests of transparency and accountability, it is important that the people I represent are clear on what they can expect when they enter into public consultation processes. What exactly is 'consultation' and 'E-consultation'? What is the difference between the two?
Resources ()
The issue of resources is critical NGOs - particularly smaller groups. Is using or entering into e-consultation resource-intensive?
Relationships (***)
In terms of transnparency and accountability, it is important that the relationships between consulter, facilitator and consultee are carefully defined. Where can I get such information?
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 (**)
Where can I find advice on the best way to promote or publicise a consultation that I want my members to participate in?
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 my orgnaisation 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 when e-technology is being used?
