NGO

Time (***)

What are the time savings in using e-Technology? How long should an online consultation last?

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?