Programme Director, Consultation Institute

Rhion Jones had 30 years’ experience of people management, customer service and information technology before setting up The Consultation Institute in 2004. Six years on, this not-for-profit best practice organisation (www.consultationinstitute.org) has established itself as a group of authoritative specialists undertaking more training on public engagement and consultation than any other body. Rhion has written extensively on the subject and is a sought-after seminar leader and keynote speaker. Along with Elizabeth Gammell, he is the author of The Art of Consultation, and is a passionate campaigner for improved dialogues with communities. During 2010 he intends to focus on standards and a much-needed Excellence Scheme, as an aid to public confidence in consultation processes. He also foresees a significant emphasis on public engagement in the forthcoming General Election.