About Us
Why ConsultOnline?
Born from the original ConsultOnline service launched in 2013, the 2026 ConsultOnline 2.0 combines proven consultation expertise with recent technological developments.
ConsultOnline 2.0
ConsultOnline 2.0 turns the original consultation website concept into a more intelligent engagement tool — one that helps present complex proposals clearly, reach wider audiences and gather structured feedback in a way that is professional, accessible and easy to manage.
It combines the essentials of consultation — information sharing, surveys, maps, updates and document access — with newer capabilities including genuinely engaging tactics designed to reach the 'silent majority', AI-assisted support and real-time analytics.
Why ConsultOnline
Wider reach
Reaches people where they already are — online, on mobile and often already discussing local issues — and gives them a structured, branded space in which to engage more constructively.
Engaging formats
Presents proposals in more engaging formats than a traditional consultation website, including virtual exhibitions, interactive maps, image and document libraries, FAQs, news updates, webinars, polls and surveys.
AI-enhanced experience
Uses AI to enhance the experience, with a chatbot trained on the consultation's own content so members of the public can get instant, project-specific answers at any time.
Greater control
Gives clients far greater control through a secure admin dashboard, self-management tools, role-based permissions and audit trails, making it easier to manage content, users and reporting in one place.
Access and verification
Supports different levels of access and verification, from open public access through to registered and invitation-only modes, with options for email, address, SMS and even physical mail verification.
Consultation integrity
Protects the integrity of the consultation through anti-bot measures, helping to prevent spam, fake registrations and skewed results.
Mobile-friendly
Makes it easier for busy people to take part on their own terms, with mobile-friendly design, voice input, support across devices and consultation available in ways that suit different audiences.
Deeper participation
Encourages deeper participation through a mix of quick and detailed engagement tools, from surveys and live polls to ideas walls, discussion boards and interactive feedback.
Responsive and agile
Keeps the consultation responsive as the project evolves, with quick setup, real-time updates, automated alerts, milestone tracking and project management support where required.
Monitoring and reporting
Provides much stronger monitoring and reporting than older-style consultation websites, with engagement dashboards, analytics, document tracking and data for robust consultation reports.
Extended promotion
Extends the reach of consultation through integrated email notifications, social sharing and optional digital marketing support, helping to drive awareness as well as capture feedback.
Beyond the original
Goes beyond what ConsultOnline originally set out to do by adding live dashboards, richer verification, interactive presentation tools, enhanced analytics, AI support and more sophisticated engagement features.
A smarter way to consult
Built for modern consultation: ConsultOnline 2.0 reflects the way people now expect to engage — online, on demand and across all devices — while giving project teams the speed, control and clarity they need.
A flexible branded platform: Each consultation is centred on a branded website that can be launched quickly, managed securely and tailored to the level of support required, from self-managed through to fully managed and bespoke.
Far more than a website: The platform brings together a wide range of engagement tools in one place, including virtual exhibitions, interactive maps, image and document libraries, webinars, surveys, polls, FAQs, news updates, ideas walls and discussion spaces.
Designed for control, accountability and smarter technology
Designed for control and accountability: A secure admin dashboard allows authorised users to manage content, users, settings and reporting, with role-based permissions, audit trails and project management support helping to keep the process organised and defensible.
Enhanced with smarter technology: AI chatbots can answer project-specific questions instantly using the consultation's own content, while anti-bot protection and flexible access controls help maintain the quality and integrity of responses.
Adaptable to different project needs: Consultations can be configured with different access and verification levels — from open public access to registered, invitation-only, address-verified or SMS-verified participation — depending on the sensitivity of the scheme.
Stronger evidence and ongoing value
Stronger evidence and reporting: Real-time dashboards, analytics, document tracking, milestone updates and automated alerts make consultation easier to monitor and much easier to evidence in a robust consultation report.
A better alternative to relying on traditional methods alone: ConsultOnline 2.0 does not replace physical events where they are useful, but it reduces dependence on costly one-off tactics and turns consultation into an ongoing, visible and better managed process.
Built to support the project as it progresses: The platform can continue to inform and engage communities beyond the initial consultation stage, helping to maintain communication as a project moves forward.
Ready to transform your consultations?
Discover how ConsultOnline 2.0 can help you reach wider audiences, gather better feedback and produce stronger reporting.