Collaboration

The Collaboration tab provides tools for working with others on a request, including adding advisors and readers, posting comments, and managing formal consultations.

[Screenshot: The Collaboration tab showing advisors, comments, and consultations sections]

Advisors and Readers

Add people who need access to the request beyond the core SAO and custodian roles.

• Advisors provide guidance on the request (e.g., legal counsel, subject matter experts). Advisors can view documents if permitted by their role configuration.
• Readers have read-only access for oversight or reference purposes. They can view request details but cannot make changes.

To add an advisor or reader, click Add in the relevant section, search for the user, and confirm.

Comments

Use comments for internal collaboration and discussion about the request.

• Post a comment to share information or ask questions.
• Mention users by typing @name to send them a notification about your comment.
• Edit or delete your own comments. Edited comments are marked as "edited" so others know the content was changed.

Comments are visible to all users who have access to the request.

Consultations

Consultations are used for formal inter-departmental or external consultations, such as consulting another government department or an external agency about the release of information.

To create a consultation:

1. Click Add Consultation.
2. Enter the consulted party (the person or organization being consulted).
3. Select the consultation type.
4. Set a due date for the consultation response.
5. Add a description of what input is needed.
6. Click Save.

[Screenshot: The Add Consultation form with party, type, due date, and description fields]

Tracking Consultations

• Consultations move from Open to Completed as they progress.
• Add notes to record updates as the consultation progresses.
• Record the outcome when the consultation is complete.