We do more than specialise in developing and delivering Public Consultation services.
We’re a consultancy that avidly believes in the power of insights to enhance a project in every way possible.
Policies, regulations, and laws—though important to the consenting process—don’t inspire us to do what we do best.
The passionate pursuit of insights does.
‘Insight’ definition:
“An understanding or perspective on a proposal that can be used to enhance a project.”
Why we are so passionate
about insights:
• Insights empower decision-makers to form better judgements.
• Even the smallest insight can increase a promoter’s chances of successful consent and acceptance.
• Insights can also help decision-makers with a clearer and more effective outlook by enhancing risk management
• Taking insights onboard helps build trust and create long-lasting relationships with stakeholders/the public
Insights hard at work
Insights are like diamonds in the rough. It takes a specialist’s eye to identify them and sound proficiency to implement them well. Thankfully, we have an extensive, experienced team, adept in this field.
Examples of Real life Insights:
+ Transport for London's consultation on Cycle Superhighway 4 from Tower Bridge to Greenwich
Through consultation TFL was able to make a series of improvements and refinements to their scheme based on public insights. The decision was taken to proceed with the scheme, but with a series of improvements and refinements based on feedback. These included design refinements at specific junctions and sections, as well as route-wide changes. For example; TfL had proposed to make Shad Thames one-way northbound, instead through insights gained from the public they decided to retain two-way traffic movement. It wasn't all about traffic flows either. Through consultation TfL also decided that it was not necessary to remove a tree at the junction of New King Street, and instead planted two new trees in the vicinity.
+ Transport for London and London Borough of Islington's consultation on improvements to Highbury Corner for pedestrians, cyclists, and changes to bus services
Through Consultation both TfL and Islington were able to provide sufficient justification for the scheme to be progressed, requiring significant reconfiguration of the junction. Insights from public and stakeholders helped to inform a series of updates to the scheme proposals, including new provision for two-way cycling, additional pedestrian facilities, and an amended public space, all of which enriched the proposals a led the way successfully moving the project toward completion.
+ EDF's pre-application consultation on the Sizewell C Nuclear Powerplant
The consideration of responses to each phase of consultation resulted in changes, informing the iterative development of the proposals. The first phase presented outline options for fundamental aspects of the scheme and enabled the project to understand broad public feedback and sentiment. Subsequent consultations dealt with greater levels of detail and feedback enabled specific improvements such as reconfiguration of pylons, wildlife mitigation and community legacy plans.
+ Wylfa Newydd Nuclear Power Station, pre-application consultation
The project progressed through three stages of statutory pre-application consultation. Insights gathered from the public led to iterative changes to the proposals, including fundamental issues over the layout of the station as well as detailed matters concerning, for example, the inclusion of Ecological Compensation Sites within the DCO application and improvements to connecting highways. All of which help to improve the project greatly.
Tap into over 35 years of experience
Our associates have been trusted to develop and deliver public consultation for local schemes to multi-billion-pound projects, including:
• Transport for London
• The Department for Education
• Lower Thames Crossing
• High Speed Two
Discover how we can help you deliver a successful consultation.