Invitation to Express An Interest: NIPA Focus Group on NSIP Consultation

We invite you to take part in a focus group for NIPA members as part of the ongoing research project examining what meaningful engagement looks like in the planning of nationally significant infrastructure projects (NSIPs) under the Planning Act 2008, commissioned by NIPA. This a project being undertaken by the University of the West of England and the University of Sheffield.

The focus group is at 10:00 - 12:00 on 2nd March and will be held online.

As you may know, the first stage of the project has been to undertake a survey exploring how consultation is understood, delivered, and experienced across the DCO process. The focus groups are intended to build on the survey findings, providing space to reflect on emerging themes, test interpretations, and collectively consider principles that could inform future guidance on consultation practice.

In particular, the discussion will focus on:

• How practitioners define the purpose and value of consultation in NSIPs
• Where current practice is working well, and where it falls short based on survey findings
• The principles and conditions that could underpin clearer, more effective guidance going forward

The focus group will bring together the research team with a small number of practitioners with experience and interest in infrastructure planning and engagement. Contributions will be used to inform the research analysis and the development of practical, policy-relevant guidance.

If you would like to put your name forward to join the panel, please respond by Wednesday 18th February.

Participation is entirely voluntary, and all contributions will be handled in line with standard research ethics and confidentiality arrangements. Further details on consent and anonymity will be provided to those who are able to take part.

We very much hope you would consider joining the discussion. We will contact selected panel members on Monday 23rd February.