The Climate Change Citizens' Panel - Questions and Anwers

The Climate Change Panel - Questions and Answers

What is a Citizens' Panel? 

A Citizens' Panel is a way of involving members of the public in the making of important decisions. This panel will bring together a group of 22 randomly chosen people, who reflect the demographic make-up of residents of the whole of Elmbridge. Panel members talk about an issue, share ideas and together come up with a set of recommendations. They are helped by experienced facilitators who make sure everyone has a fair say and that the task is achieved. 

A lot of people feel they don’t get a real say in decisions that affect their lives. But, when people are given the time, space, and reliable sources of information, through the use of Panels, experience shows that members of the public will develop well-informed recommendations. This is what we aim to do here in Elmbridge.

Who are the organisers of the Panel?

Shared Future – specialists in public engagement have been hired to run the panel on behalf of Elmbridge Borough Council. Shared Future has lots of experience running citizen panels, juries, and assemblies like these. You can find out more on their website.

Elmbridge Borough Council

An advisory group has been set up to ensure the Panel is run fairly. It has a wide range of representatives, including: 

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.

How is the panel selected?

5,000 addresses in Elmbridge were selected by lottery from the Royal Mail Address Database. The panel is made up of 22 people who have accepted the invitation to join. 

Why do we need a Climate Change Citizens' Panel? 

We want to hear from a range of people who may have different experiences or opinions. This is to make sure we have a diverse range of people in terms of age, gender, ethnicity, where people live and their feelings about the changing climate. Their views are as important as everyone else’s – we want to hear from people who truly represent the wider Elmbridge community.

When will the Citizens' Panel take place? 

There will be five sessions taking place between June and October. 

What will taking part involve for the panel members?

Panel members will have the opportunity to meet with people from different walks of life who live in Elmbridge. They will hear from engaging speakers, and then discuss the issues involved in small groups. Each group will have a facilitator to make sure everyone has their voice heard. Panel members do not need to have any knowledge of the topics – all the information they need will be provided during the sessions.

What will happen after the Citizens’ Panel?

The recommendations will be written by the Citizens’ Panel members with support from the facilitators. These recommendations will become the central part of a report that will also include a detailed explanation of the process followed. Elmbridge Borough Council will respond to all recommendations made by the Panel, confirming what action will be taken.