The client/design team carrying out the consultation/post-occupancy evaluation can demonstrate compliance with the requirement for an independent third party in two ways:
1) An independent third party, not involved in the design or development of the building, has conducted the necessary consultation exercise using a compliant method.
2) If the evaluation is carried out by an organisation involved in the design of the building, evidence demonstrating the party’s independence of the design process must be provided. The design team or relevant individual must demonstrate a credible level of independence to meet the requirement.