Consultation topics

A B C D E F G H I J L M O P R S T U W All
A B C D E F G H I J L M O P R S T U W All

Using this section 

Cabinet committees specialise in subject areas, grouped either around sectors (such as social policy (SOC), or external relations and trade (ERD)), or around functions (such as appointments and honours (APH) or legislation (LEG)). The terms of reference for these committees are available from the CabGuide section on the Cabinet committees. Papers prepared for Cabinet committee consideration are submitted to a committee in accordance with those terms of reference. Using those terms of reference as the starting point this section identifies the departments that are likely to need to be consulted on particular issues. For each term of reference topic the section identifies:

  • a small group of departments which will almost always need to be consulted on given issues under each term of reference (the 'core departments');
  • the other departments which may need to be consulted, depending on the nature of the issue;
  • departments with specialised across the board interests which may need to be consulted, depending on the nature of the issue.

Purpose

The section has been developed following consultation with departments. It is designed to help those drafting papers to identify the various interests of departments, particularly those whose work is not widely known. Some departments have a range of interests in a particular issue. Care may be needed to ensure that the views of the whole department/agency are obtained, not just those of one unit. The list is indicative only. It is for those drafting papers to use their judgement in working out who to consult, and, where they are not certain, to seek the views of individuals with greater experience in their own department or in central agencies (eg Cabinet Office or the Policy Advisory Group in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, the Treasury, and the State Services Commission). The section will be updated from time to time, including when committee Terms of Reference are amended.

For further information, see the CabGuide section on consultation