Why is the Discussion Panel important?
It is important that we regularly hold discussions with members of the public to ensure that the services we are providing are appropriate and how effective our proposed plans and policies will be. We cannot be sure what you think about what we are doing and the way we are doing it without asking you directly for your thoughts and feedback.
What kind of topics will be discussed?
The topics that we would like people to discuss will depend on what is important at that time - we have no set agenda for discussion items and prefer to keep a more flexible approach to suit public demand and expectations. Generally we ask members to either discuss a specific issue or a service in more detail, for example:
- Refuse Collection
- On-line forms
- Emergency Planning
- Media and Communication
When and how will discussions take place?
We contact members of the Discussion Panel throughout the year, inviting them to share their thoughts and opinions with us.
The way that we hold our discussions may vary slightly depending on what the issue is that we want people to talk about. However focus groups are probably the most common way in which these discussions take place. Focus Groups are a small number of people brought together by a moderator to look at a specific product or topic. People are invited in and asked about their perceptions, opinions, beliefs and attitudes towards this product/topic/service.
We use focus groups because they allow members to talk with other members to share their views as well as with council officers in a relaxed, interactive environment.
Interested in becoming a member?
If you are interested in becoming a member of the Discussion Panel and helping us to improve how we do things in the Council, please contact the Business Transformation Team.
