  Consensus ConferenceBrief Description:A consensus conference is made up of a panel of citizens who question expert witnesses on a particular topic at a public conference. Their recommendations are then circulated widely.
Description:The panel is given time to prepare before the actual conference so they can come to the topic as better informed citizens. Panel members receive a detailed information pack and attend preparatory events (usually two held at weekends). A feature of this method is that the initiative lies with the citizens- they who define what the key points of the debate will be, including the choice of questions and selection of the witnesses -they create their own final conclusions. The press and public are able to attend the main hearing. At the end of the conference, the panel produces a report outlining conclusions and recommendations that are then circulated to key-decision makers and the media. The process is usually run by an organisation with no stake in the outcome to limit bias. Used For:A Consensus Conference is often used as a way of including the views of the general public into the assessment of new scientific and technological developments. In common with Citizens' Juries, consensus conferences aim to both inform and consult, but the difference between the two is that Consensus Conferences take place in the public gaze. This form of citizen participation is particularly suitable for involving citizens in decision making on complex and highly technical issues otherwise requiring specialist knowledge. Suitable participants:A citizens' panel usually consists of between 10-20 people is chosen to reflect a variety of socio-demographic criteria (note however that due to its size the panel cannot be a statistically representative sample of the population). Panel members should not have any significant previous involvement with the conference topic - they are there to take part as citizens, not as professionals or specialists. Cost:A trained and independent facilitator is needed during the preparatory weekends and during the conference itself. A Consensus Conference is expensive, requiring large facilities to accommodate the media and public during the event. Some claim, however, that consensus conferences are cost effective compared to the cost of informing the public through the media. UK examples have ranged in cost from £80,000 to £100,000. Time Requirements:The Consensus Conference itself usually lasts for three days; the participants also attend preparatory events. When To Use / What It Can Deliver:Consensus Conferences can be used to deal with controversial issues at a national level and with issues that are complex or expert dominated in general. It can deliver the views of informed citizens and their key issues of concern on a policy area, useful and understandable written material suitable for public use and wider and better informed public debate on an issue through the media. When Not To Use / What It Cannot Deliver:Consensus Conferences should not be used when you want the participants to make actual decisions; Consensus Conferences cannot deliver direct decisions, detailed technical recommendations or results that are representative of society as a whole. Strengths:
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Origin:Social Research -The Consensus Conference is based on a model of technology assessment originating in the health care sector in the USA during the 1960s and further developed by the Danish Board of Technology.
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Related Methods
Restrictions In UseInsert Content here Further InformationContact: UK Centre for Economic and Environmental Development: Web links: Danish Board of Technology: http://www.tekno.dk/subpage.php3?page=forside.php3&language=uk |
Popular Methods
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