This type of participation gives consultees more opportunity to have a direct impact on decisions. It is used to help define issues and debate problems and solutions with the public and, where possible, it aims to come to some sort of decision or consensus on proposals.
When ‘deciding together’ it is important that all relevant stakeholders buy-in to the process and are prepared to take some ownership for the solution, It is appropriate when there could be any of a number of possible ways forward, but will not be used when there is little room for manoeuvre.
Methods include ‘visioning exercises’ workshops, surveys, citizens’ juries, and focus groups.