Dialogue by Design have just released an interesting online tool called 'Dialogue Designer' - which steps those interested in carrying out a consultation or dialogue process through a number of simple questions before it suggests possible engagement methods.

I've had a quick look at it - and it seems to be both a really good way of exploring new methods of engagement - and of assessing readiness. The tool has been set up so that it will happily suggest when the user isn't really looking for a dialogue process and may in fact be more interested in market research or a communications excercise.

Throughout the process of using the tool, a side-bar offers useful supporting information and advice on topics from 'recruitment' to 'inclusiveness' and 'representation'.

The dialogue designer website also includes a Handbook of Public and Stakeholder engagement - which at a hefty 111 pages I've not had chance to look at yet... but I'll aim to post a review of it onto the Enfusion resource directory soon...