Webchat
Brief Description:
'Real time' webchats are based on instant messaging (e.g. MSN). This is a new and informal way to engage and gather information from different stakeholders and answer specific questions they may have.
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Participants are specifically invited to contribute to the discussions, but normally anyone can observe the proceedings online even if they cannot contribute.
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Description:
Webchats are discussions held online with a small group of pre-selected participants who are given a distinct login and password. The webchats are readable by anyone but registration is normally required to contribute and may be restricted to certain groups or stakeholders.
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They are often used by Ministers to engage a key group of stakeholders on a topic that concerns them and to gather experiential feedback on policies rather than being a formal consultation.
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Webchats normally run for an hour and are held at a pre-determined time. A Minister or senior officer will answer questions set by participants. There is normally a moderator who will check questions and comments before allowing them to be posted.
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Used For:
Online engagement of a small group of users or stakeholders on a specific issue. It is done in 'real time' which makes it feel more like an event and more personal contact with the Minister.
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Other interested parties can observe the proceedings while they are happening as well, or refer back to the webchat as the information is available online after the event.
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Suitable participants:
Normally a Minister or high level civil servant will invite a number of key stakeholders or a specific group of people to join the discussions.
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Cost:
Low.
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Time Requirements:
One hour acutal 'webchat' time normally plus preparation of material and IT support beforehand. Senior official will need to be present for the webchat as well as a moderator.
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When To Use / What It Can Deliver:
- access to a key group of stakeholders
- transparency over discussions with stakeholders
When Not To Use / What It Cannot Deliver:
- in depth discussion, due to the limited time and the fact that the webchats are normally structured like a Q&A session with participants only able to put one question to the Minister and then reply to his response, rather than being a general discussion.
Strengths:
- the discussion between Ministers and the stakeholders or general public is in 'real time' - there is little or no delay in responses.
- there is no software to download or install.
- the discussion is structured but the Minister could participate in more than one webchat simultaneously;
- the discussion can be aimed at appropriate participants
- the webchat can be publicised on the normal website and the discussions can be left posted on it.
- there is a sense of the webchat being an event and more personal than other online forums.
Weaknesses:
- users expect a fast response from Ministers or officials, that may not always be possible.
- the webchats may not have any direct policy input even though participants are discussing directly with a Minister or government official.
Origin:
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Case Studies:
Related Methods
Restrictions In Use
None known.
Further Information
http://www.number-10.gov.uk/output/Page11249.asp
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http://forum.partyfundingreview.gov.uk/
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http://www.dftwebchat.net/webchats
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