Introduction

A consultation is a process whereby Government departments request comments from interested parties, so as to help the department make better decisions. A consultation will usually be focused on a particular topic, and have an accompanying publication that sets the context, and outlines particular questions on which feedback is requested. Other information will include a definite start and end date during which feedback can be submitted and contact details for the person to submit feedback to.

Example: DCMS consultation on World Heritage for the Nation

Details

Type

A consultation is a document.

Identifier: foaf:Document

Properties

Title

Identifier: dc:title

Description: The title of the consultation. This can be any text.

Example: Biodiesel glycerol and the Renewables Obligation

Document type

Identifier: dc:type

Description: The type of the document, which will always be 'consultation'.

Example: arg:Consultation

Reference

Identifier: dc:identifier

Description: An organisation-specific identifier for the consultation. It's possible that there will be duplicates across different organisations.

Example: 129/08

Publisher

Identifier: dc:publisher

Description: The publisher responsible for the consultation. This can be any text, but is usually the name of the organisation.

Example: OFGEM

Source

Identifier: dc:source

Description: A URL which indicates the source of the information about this consultation.

Example: http://www.ofgem.gov.uk/Pages/MoreInformation.aspx?file=Biodiesel%20glycerol%20and%20the%20Renewables%20Obligation.pdf&refer=Sustainability/Environmnt/RenewablObl

Abstract

Identifier: dc:abstract

A summary of the nature of the consultation.

Example: This document sets out the issues relating to Biodiesel and glycerol and seeks views on the way Ofgem should treat these fuels for the purposes of producing eligible renewable electricity under the Renewables Obligation.

Audience

Identifier: dc:audience

Description: The audience for whom the consultation is intended. This can be any text.

Example: Generators using Biodiesel and glycerol, trade associations, fuel suppliers and other interested parties.

Language

Identifier: dc:language

Description: The language of the consultation. There may be alternate versions available, in different languages. The value should be in the format described in RFC 4646.

Example: en

Published

Identifier: dc:issued

The date that the consultation was formally listed, in ISO-8601 format.

Example: 2008-09-03

Start date

Identifier: dc:available

The date from which any comments can be received, in ISO-8601 format. This may well be the same as the publication date, in which case there is no need to provide it.

Example: 2008-09-03

Closing date

Identifier: dc:valid

The date by which any comments must be received, in ISO-8601 format.

Example: 2008-10-14

Replying to a consultation

See ArgotReply.