The Climate Change Citizens' Panel

Climate Change Citizens' Panel

About the panel:

The Climate Change Citizens' Panel was an opportunity for residents to help shape our response to climate change and refine our carbon-reduction plan.

The panel brought together a group of 22 randomly chosen people who reflected the demographic make-up of Elmbridge residents. 

How it worked:

The panel members met in person on five occasions between June and October 2025. They shared their opinions, discussed ideas, and heard from a range of climate change experts before working on a set of key recommendations for Elmbridge.

Experienced facilitators from Shared Future, a social enterprise and community interest company with extensive experience in citizens' panel facilitation, assisted the panel.

An advisory group was also set up to ensure the panel was run fairly and objectively. This group includes representatives from Elmbridge Borough Council, Walton Charity, Brooklands Technical College, Surrey Climate Commission, Green Elmbridge, Surrey County Council, Claygate Parish Council,Surrey University, and NHS Surrey Heartlands.

As part of their work, the panel also took into consideration feedback and suggestions made by the wider Elmbridge community through the Climate Change Survey conducted between February and March 2025.

What will happen after the panel?

The council responded to all recommendations made by the panel, confirming what actions will be taken in the next year and beyond, as the proposal for local government reorganisation in Surrey becomes clearer.

More information:

• Elmbridge Climate Change Citizens' Panel:
• Our vision for a greener and more sustainable Elmbridge