Introduction to deliberative methods

Deliberative democracy, citizens’ assemblies, public dialogue… you may have heard these terms, but what are deliberative methods all about, how are they distinct from other qualitative research methods and how do you use them?

Deliberative methods are an exciting and distinct set of research and engagement methods. Through these processes, participants go on a journey in which they are given the time, space and structure to learn about the topic and deliberate on it with their peers (often over a period of weeks or months). With the help of expert stimulus, their own lived experience, structured facilitation and a range of perspectives from their fellow participants, these ‘mini-publics’ can tackle some of society’s biggest and most contentious issues, delivering recommendations, priorities, conclusions or messages as a result. Deliberative methods are gaining ever more interest in government as public trust in government and other institutions falls and departments look to involve the public meaningfully in decision-making processes about novel, contentious and complex issues facing society. They require distinct research skills, facilitation approaches and management.

n.b. This course runs over two consecutive days:

Part 1 - 10 September - 10.00 am to 1.30 pm

Part 2 - 11 September - 10.00 am to 1.30 pm