Before responding
Read the scope, background document, questions, deadline and publication terms. A consultation record identifies the responsible body and who is invited to contribute.
Your contribution
Address the questions directly and provide sources where possible. Declare relevant professional or commercial interests. Do not include another person’s confidential information without an appropriate basis.
Describe the practical effect of the proposal and distinguish your own experience from wider evidence. If you refer to data, give its source, period and relevant limitations. A specific explanation of what would work, what would cause difficulty and why is more useful than a statement of agreement or opposition without supporting reasons.
How responses are used
Responses inform the review; they are not votes. A summary explains the main themes, resulting changes and reasons for material decisions. Attribution follows the stated privacy and publication terms.
After the deadline
Closed consultations retain their documents and outcome record. Any invitation for supplementary evidence states its purpose and revised deadline.