Consultations

The Woodland Carbon Code is committed to improving and developing its frameworks, methodologies, protocols and activities. 

Consultation is an important part of our development and stakeholder engagement activity. It ensures that the knowledge, skills and experiences of stakeholders are built into the operation and development of the code. 

We use stakeholder consultation to enhance decision making, foster understanding and promote transparency.

Scope and definitions

The Woodland Carbon Code will consult stakeholders on: 

• Major revisions to the standard’s requirements and documents
• New methodologies, procedures and documents

Stakeholders are defined as individuals or groups who may be affected by or who can influence the code’s actions.

Roles and responsibilities

Consultations will be initiated by the Woodland Carbon Code team. They may be run by staff, agencies or a combination of both, ensuring there are no conflicts of interest. 

The Woodland Carbon Code’s governance boards will oversee all consultation processes.

Principles and process

Woodland Carbon Code consultations are planned in line with best practice guidance from the UK Government and Scottish Government, following a number of key steps and principles. This includes: 

• Agreeing the purpose of consultations and running them at a formative stage in the development process
• Using stakeholder mapping techniques to identify relevant stakeholders
• Developing communication plans which use appropriate channels (e.g. the Woodland Carbon Code website and newsletter, direct email).
• Developing accessible, inclusive and informative communications and consultation materials
• Gathering and recording responses through online surveys and other methods over a proportionate timeframe (at least 30 days) in line with General Data Protection Regulation
• Analysing responses and using them to inform decisions along with other evidence
• Sharing consultation findings and outcomes in a transparent and timely manner
• Allowing appropriate time between the end of the consultation and implementation of any change
• Evaluating the consultation process and improving practice

Evaluation and revision

Consultations plans will include evaluation procedures to review the effectiveness of the consultation process and capture recommendations for improvement.

This policy will be reviewed on an annual basis to ensure it responds to feedback and changes in best practice.

More information

To find out more about our consultations or to provide feedback, please email info@woodlandcarboncode.org.uk

Version control 

Version: 1.

Published: February 2025.

Review date: February 2026