There is an increasing volume and growing diversity in participation initiatives. They may take different forms, e.g. fill-in cards or a telephone line. Deliberative' opinion polls are used to compare a group of citizens reactions before and after they have had an opportunity to discuss the issue at hand. We are only interested in interactive initiatives and not in the use of computer technologies simply to provide information on services or facilities. These allow citizens to vote on policy-specific options, as in the Strathclyde vote on the reorganisation of water services.
Panels focus on specific service or policy issues, or on wider strategy.
The panel is made up of a statistically representative sample of citizens whose views are sought several times a year. Citizens juries receive evidence from expert witnesses and cross-questioning can occur. The process may last up to four days, at the end of which a report is drawn up setting out the views of the jury, including any differences in opinion. Juries views are intended to inform councillors decision-making. One-off focus groups are similar to citizens juries in that they bring together citizens to discuss a specific issue.