Focus groups

Focus groups are small groups who can give us their thoughts and reactions on matters such as international developments, draft consultation documents and so on. They can supplement other methods of consultation and allow us to focus on specific issues and programmes.

Each group is topic-specific, and comprises a handful of individuals with relevant experience and expertise. The Groups work to a simple set of ground rules, as follows:

• Meetings are reported, without attribution of comments, on the web. Reports must however observe constraints on reporting international negotiations;
• Important documents, such as new drafts of text from Brussels, are also placed on the web;
• Members are welcome to seek views from those whom they may "represent" (or anyone else) but members belong to the Groups as individuals. Sometimes very speedy reactions to events are needed;
• The Groups are not the totality of our consultation on any topic. We welcome the views of others, and officials also have dialogue with other interests and individuals.

If you would like to register your interest in participating in focus groups please e-mail your details to policy@ipo.gov.uk.