Better choices start by being asked the right questions

Governments turn to Fair Consulting when democratic decision-making becomes complex and politically sensitive.
I design and evaluate citizen assemblies and participation processes, helping public organisations make fair, well-grounded decisions with public legitimacy.

Thomas Schäfer
Thomas Schäfer
Independent advisor on democratic decision-making
What is the real question here?

What do I do

When decisions become politically sensitive

I help design participation processes that create clarity, fairness and legitimacy.

When citizen assemblies need independent evaluation

I analyse outcomes, processes and impact, and translate them into clear recommendations.

When complex problems need structure

I provide process-oriented analysis to support informed decision-making.

What makes a decision legitimate?

Evaluation of the provincial citizen assembly Kopiëren Kopiëren

Province of Gelderland Fair consulting role Independent evaluator providing analysis and recommendations. Context The Province of Gelderland organised a citizen assembly to involve residents in shaping long-term provincial policy. An independent evaluation was commissioned to assess the quality and impact of the process. Role of Fair Consulting Independent evaluator responsible for analysing the design, implementation […]

Evaluation of the provincial citizen assembly Kopiëren

Evaluation and recommendations for the provincial citizen assembly.

Evaluation of the provincial citizen assembly

Province of Gelderland Fair consulting role Independent evaluator providing analysis and recommendations. Context The Province of Gelderland organised a citizen assembly to involve residents in shaping long-term provincial policy. An independent evaluation was commissioned to assess the quality and impact of the process. Role of Fair Consulting Independent evaluator responsible for analysing the design, implementation […]

Selected
work

Who defines what is fair?

Approach

How I work
01

Start with the real question

Before proposing solutions, I focus on clarifying the underlying problem and decision context.

02

Design a fair process

I help design participation processes that are transparent, inclusive and appropriate to the political and organisational context.

03

Stay independent

My role is analytical and advisory. I do not facilitate outcomes, but assess processes and choices objectively.

04

Evaluate what matters

I evaluate participation processes and outcomes, translating findings into clear, actionable recommendations.

What makes a decision legitimate?

About the advisor

Thomas Schäfer

Independent advisor on democratic decision-making

I work with public organisations on the design and evaluation of citizen assemblies and participation processes.

With a background in public-sector organisations and higher education, I bring an independent and analytical perspective to politically sensitive decision-making.

Have a question or planning a participation process?

Get in touch

About the advisor