To many clients, the ability of SRA to plan, implement and monitor consultation is our most well known strength.  The company are nationally acknowledged experts in this area and have pioneered innovative and 'pathbreaking' approaches. Staff have wide-ranging interests in this area, including public transport, housing and disaster management.

A core belief is that public consultation should be planned strategically and involve appropriate techniques on a 'fitness for purpose basis', ranging from providing information through to full decision making.  There is no one right way.

• SRA are often called in by organisations to manage consultation for controversial policy areas such as road building or waste management. 

• Work is conducted with stakeholders and the public to develop civic decisions rather than verdicts based on individual self interest.

• SRA are also well known for our work in involving so called 'hard to reach' groups, including people with disabilities, minority ethnic groups, people with learning difficulties and children.

And Communication

One of the skills which distinguish SRA's holistic approach to consulting is an understanding of the need to disseminate results or implications of results to the public and/or different stakeholders. To this end SRA staff include people with expertise not just in the written word but also in film, radio and graphic media. The use of information technology is also a speciality, especially in relation to people on low incomes.

SRA are particularly interested in better techniques of consultation and have produced some interactive tool kits and good practice guidance for strategic approaches. Examples include: sets of cards for planning, separate topic sheets for different stakeholders and an accompanying video designed for staff training purposes.