A first-time public consultation needs a single, experienced communications partner managing engagement from the start, not a form thrown online and a press release announcing it afterwards. Here is what to look for in a partner if this is the first major consultation your team has run.

Most people working in communications are trying to do the right thing. They want to steady the situation, reduce harm, and keep trust intact. But "strategic comms" can slide into defensiveness easily, and the response can end up sounding more like protecting credibility than listening.

This guide explores practical ways to build public trust through communications and highlights actions organisations can implement immediately.