About Us
How it works
ConsultOnline is designed to be as accessible and easy to use as possible, with guidance and help available every step of the way.
Here is just a flavour of the platform's functionality
Three flexible packages
Essential, Enhanced and Bespoke are designed for different levels of functionality. Each is available as client-managed or ConsultOnline-managed, giving six service levels in total. Private-label branding is available with client-managed delivery.
Rapid deployment
Client-managed sites can be created quickly once the account and brand set-up are in place. Essential and Enhanced consultations are typically ready within two working days of receiving approved materials, while Bespoke timelines depend on scope.
Secure admin area
Every project has a secure admin area giving authorised users control over content, surveys, documents, settings and results from one central dashboard.
Role-based permissions
Clear control over who can do what, with roles such as editor, viewer and administrator, plus audit trails with selected packages.
Project management support
Dedicated support where required, from initial set-up and launch through to ongoing day-to-day management, including content updates, survey changes, newsletters and document uploads.
Real-time dashboards and reporting
Live analytics and automated PDF or CSV reports to monitor participation, downloads, survey completion and engagement trends without relying on third-party analytics tools.
Automatic email alerts
Project-specific email addresses and automatic alerts making it easy to stay informed when responses come in and to communicate professionally with participants.
Stronger verification and security
Anti-bot protection, controlled access levels, registration options and enhanced checks such as email, address, SMS or physical mail verification with selected packages.
Flexible access modes
Run consultations as open, registered or invitation-only, with the ability to restrict certain content or documents to particular stakeholder groups.
Rich presentation tools
Image and document libraries, interactive maps, masterplan overlays, FAQs, news updates, timelines and virtual exhibitions that make complex proposals easier to understand.
Wide range of consultation tools
Webinars, surveys, quick-fire polls, ideas walls and, with selected packages, moderated discussion boards and more advanced public engagement features.
AI-powered public-facing support
A chatbot trained on the scheme's own content to answer project-specific questions quickly and consistently, helping communities get the information they need at any time.
Accessibility built in
Mobile-friendly design, WCAG-compliant standards and enhanced accessibility tools such as high-contrast mode, adjustable text sizing, dyslexia-friendly settings and simplified viewing options with selected packages.
Multilingual capability
AI-powered translation with selected packages and the option of professional human translation where required for more sensitive or formal consultations.
App-like use on mobile
Progressive web app functionality with selected packages and the option of a fully branded bespoke app for clients who want a stronger standalone digital presence.
Promotion tools
Email communications, social sharing, direct mail and, where needed, managed digital marketing and social advertising to promote consultations more effectively.
Smarter engagement tracking
See which pages people visit, which documents they download, where they drop off and how effectively the consultation is performing, with health scoring with selected packages.
Post-consultation value
Convert the site into a planning application website, community liaison channel during construction, or sales and lettings support — extending value beyond pre-application.
A platform that keeps working after pre-application consultation
Traditional consultation material often has a short life. Once the exhibition boards come down and the mailshot is finished, much of the investment disappears. ConsultOnline 2.0 is different. The same platform can continue after consultation closes, becoming a planning application information hub, a community relations channel during construction or even a sales and lettings support site later in the scheme's life.
That continuity helps communities as well as project teams. Information remains in one place. Previous consultation material can be archived but still accessed. New documents and updates can be posted to the same site, and registered users can continue to receive communications where appropriate.
The process
Brief and setup
Branding, structure, content and surveys are configured. Depending on the package and delivery option, this is handled by your team or by a project manager. A fast, professional start.
Launch
The consultation goes live with the appropriate access settings, communications and promotional support. A clear, branded public presence.
Engage
The site hosts documents, updates, surveys, polls, questions, events and ongoing responses. A more active and visible consultation process.
Monitor
Dashboard data, alerts and reports show what is happening and where further communications are needed. Better decision-making while the consultation is live.
Report
Responses are collated and analysed to support reporting and the preparation of SCI material. Clear evidence that engagement has been properly managed.
Continue
If required, the site is repurposed for application-stage updates, community liaison or later project phases. More value from the same platform.
Packages
The consultation packages
Essential
Core tools for a professional consultation website, with four branding and management configurations. ConsultOnline-managed delivery covers initial site set-up.
Enhanced
Everything in Essential, plus richer engagement, access, mapping and analytics tools, with four branding and management configurations.
Bespoke
A tailored consultation website offered as ConsultOnline-branded and ConsultOnline-managed, or private-label and client-managed.
Ready to find the right package?
Three packages, each available as client-managed or ConsultOnline-managed, with private-label branding available for client-managed delivery.