Engagement methods
Qualitative methods: citizens juries
Description
A citizens' jury usually lasts 2 to 4 days and consists of 12 to 16 people considering a 'live' issue. The jurors hear from a range of 'witnesses' (experts who give their views and information on different aspects of the issue). Exploring this 'evidence' helps the jurors to make informed recommendations about how they think the organisation should react to the issue.
When to use
A citizens' jury may be suitable when an organisation has a difficult issue to deal with and cannot decide how to respond. This method enables members of the public to understand complex issues and develop an informed view about how they think the organisation should respond. Issues which citizens' juries have addressed include:
- Food Standards Agency - Should GM food be available to buy in the UK?
- Department of Trade and Industry - What package of support should be available to people juggling work and family responsibilities?
- South Lanarkshire Council - How do we tackle vandalism and graffiti?
- Waltham Forest Housing Action Trust -'What needs to be done by the year 2010 to achieve and maintain a good quality of life for residents in and around your neighbourhood?
Strengths
- Enables the public to deal with complex issues and offer realistic solutions
- Can be seen as a high profile commitment to community engagement
- The jurors often become more active citizens
Weaknesses
- Take a long time to set up
- Can be quite expensive
- Only involve a very small number of people
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