News Release

The first UK research center for communication and consultation is launched

Business Announcement

University of Huddersfield

First UK Research Center for Communication and Consultation Is Launched

image: Pictured left to right are: Keith Butterick, Director of the HCCCR and University of Huddersfield lecturer, Robert Rutherfoord, analyst in social research at Department for Communities and Local Government and Rhion Jones, Program Director of the Consultation Institute. view more 

Credit: University of Huddersfield

A NEWLY-SEALED partnership makes the University of Huddersfield a globally significant centre for the study of all forms of consultation.‌

The University is home to the Huddersfield Centre for Communication and Consultation Research (HCfCCR), the UK's first specialist centre that focuses on both the practice and academic research aspects of public and stakeholder consultation.

The Centre recently announced a collaboration with the Consultation Institute, a not-for-profit organisation which seeks to promote the highest standards of public, stakeholder and employee consultation via research, publications and specialist events.

The partnership has now been officially launched at a special event held at the University which drew an audience of more than 60 delegates from around the UK, representing a wide range of public and private organisations – including Transport for London – plus leading academics in the field.

"The aim of the event was to explain to both sets of audiences – academics and members of the Consultation Institute – what it was that we were planning," said University of Huddersfield lecturer Keith Butterick, who is Director of the HCfCCR.

"We were explaining to the academics what consultation was about and our areas of research and we explained to the practitioners what we could offer. We are proud of our links with business and are keen to develop them," he added.

Mr Butterick has an extensive background in journalism and public relations. He is also a former councillor and has advised local authorities on communication strategy and carrying out communication audits.

As Director of the HCfCCR he says that he will ensure a cross-disciplinary approach is taken, involving researchers across diverse areas such as law, health, media, politics and journalism. A close relationship with practitioner bodies such as the Consultation Institutewill ensure that research relates closely to the practical needs of thousands of professionals working in the fields of public engagement, he adds. ‌‌‌

"The Consultation Institute will help us identify priority areas for research. In addition their members will assist with academic placements, and we will try hard together to ensure our teaching reflects modern practices in consultation and stakeholder engagement worldwide."

Mr Butterick presented some of his research findings during the launch event. He has been examining the current state of consultation in local authorities, in the wake of pledges by both Labour and Coalition to improve participation in local democracy via consultation.

But one issue he has identified is "consultation fatigue" as local authorities grapple with a lack of resources. As a result, less costly processes such as online consultation are being tried.

There will also be a global dimension, he adds. For example, a representative of the World Bank – keen to develop its expertise in consultation – is scheduled to pay a fact-finding visit later in the year.

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