What Is A Scottish Government Consultation?

The devolved government for Scotland has a range of responsibilities which include health, education, justice, rural affairs, housing and the environment.

Consultation is an essential aspect of Scottish Government working methods. Due to the wide-ranging areas of work at the Scottish Government, there are lots of different types of consultations.

Consultation exercises aim to provide opportunities for everyone who wishes to express their opinions on a proposed area of work, in ways which will inform and enhance that work.

Consultation exercises may involve seeking views in a number of different ways, such as written papers, public meetings, focus groups, questionnaires or online discussion forums.

Responses are analysed and used as part of the policy making process, along with a range of other available information and evidence.

There is a full list of all closed and forthcoming consultations on the Scottish Government website. Closed consultations should provide details of outcomes.